Fine Gael cannot rely on Labour’s support, Joan Burton says

Tánaiste Joan Burton has insisted Fine Gael cannot rely on the support of the Labour Party in the upcoming vote for taoiseach.

In a letter to party members and supporters, Ms Burton said she was immensely proud of the party’s achievements in government.

However, she said the party will not participate in any new government and will rebuild from the opposition benches.

Ms Burton said members of the parliamentary party were “unanimous in their view this week that we should play no role in government formation”.

She said when it comes to voting for a taoiseach, “we will listen to what the various candidates have to say in terms of the package they put to the Dáil; the stability of any arrangement being put forward; and the programme for government proposed.

“On that basis, we will determine whether we should vote for the candidate, vote against, or abstain.”

Fine Gael had been hoping for the support of the junior coalition party on April 6th when the next vote for taoiseach takes place.

The Labour leader also met with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin as he attempts to secure support to win the vote for taoiseach.

In the letter, Ms Burton also indicated she would like to remain leader of the Labour Party.

She said the task of rebuilding the party is a “sizeable one” and Labour will “lose very significant amounts of State funding” following the election.

Ms Burton said the party has “endured dark political days before, and we’ve bounced back.

“I’ve no doubt we will do likewise on this occasion, and for my part, I will give every ounce of energy to that mission.”

Party meeting

Ms Burton confirmed she is to host a meeting on Wednesday for all former and present Oireachtas party members to assess how they can move forward.

She said: “It has been a traumatic few weeks, for candidates, for staff, for members who have given so much blood, sweat and tears to the party over the years, and for the families of all concerned.

“But rebuilding a strong Labour Party is not optional; it’s essential. It’s essential to ensure an authentic social democratic voice in Irish politics, and to ensure fairness in Irish society.

“We know the contribution our party has made since its foundation, and we know the battle is not over.

“We’ve important work to do. Let’s chart the way forward together and get on with it.”