Ireland

Joan Burton to decide on Labour future after government is formed

Labour leader Joan Burton. Picture by Brian Lawless, Press Association
Labour leader Joan Burton. Picture by Brian Lawless, Press Association

LABOUR leader Joan Burton said she will make a decision on her future after a new government is formed in the Republic.

Her party lost 26 seats in the election and now has seven TDs.

Several former and current Labour TDs called for a new party leader as it held its first major meeting following last month's election.

Wexford TD Brendan Howlin is being tipped for the leadership.

Ex-Labour TDs, Michael McCarthy, Ciarán Lynch and John Lyons have endorsed Mr Howlin.

But Longford-Westmeath TD Willie Penrose said the party's problems were more "deep seated" than leadership debates.

"We have to go back and we have to get back in contact with our electorate," he said.

Meanwhile, a justice and equality document circulated at a meeting between Fine Gael, Independents and the Green Party promises the recruitment of more gardaí and a review of rural policing, RTÉ reported.

The document also proposed increasing the minimum wage and a review of child poverty targets.