The leader of the Labour Party Joan Burton has denied allegations that fellow Longford Westmeath TD Willie Penrose is reluctant to fight for his seat in the Dáil.
Ms Burton made her comments last night when she attended the count centre in Kenagh, where Mr Penrose os still awaiting his faith. It is understood that Mr Penrose and the Labour party are hoping that Fine Gael’s James Bannon will be eliminated, which would make his transfers crucial for Mr Penrose election prospects, however Sinn Féin’s Paul Hogan is still firmly in the race.
However the Tánaiste Joan Burton strongly denied Labour was putting pressure on Mr Penrose to retain his seat in order to protect the parties speaking rights in the Dáil. Ms Burton said: “The events here, they are very stressful, for all of the people here. “Willie is somebody who is incredibly dignified under pressure, he’s a democrat, he’s someone who is very measured in his commentary. “I’m hoping it works out.”