THERE’S been a furious backlash against the Labour leadership from Cork party grassroots following the shock resignation of Junior Minister Róisín Shortall from her position and the party whip.
County councillor Martin Coughlan said James Connolly and James Larkin would be “turning in their graves” over the lack of support for Deputy Shortall from the party leadership, while city councillor Denis O’Flynn warned the coalition would collapse unless Labour starts showing some backbone.
The anger from party grassroots is in stark contrast to the measured reaction from the party’s four Cork TDs, all of whom expressed support for party leader Eamon Gilmore today.
Junior Minister Kathleen Lynch, who also serves in the Department of Health, said Eamon Gilmore had put in an “enormous effort in the last week or two to make her feel supported”.
Martin Coughlan said the row could be the “start of the end” for the Labour Party and Fermoy councillor Noel McCarthy said he was very unhappy with the failure of Labour Ministers to support Deputy Shortall.
Former TD John Mulvihill said there needed to be a “serious look” at party structures.
See page 2, 3 and 18 for more.