Burton ‘wants to have say’ over any move in Cabinet reshuffle

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton wants to have a say in any post-election reshuffle that could see her moved out of her department.

Sources say Ms Burton does not want to be left in a position similar to when the Coalition was formed, when she was disappointed to be given to the Department of Social Protection after a high-profile spell as Labour's finance spokeswoman in Opposition.

Those close to the Dublin West TD acknowledge any changes in the Labour ranks are the prerogative of Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore as party leader, but say she wants be "at the table when the decisions are being made".

While Ms Burton is said to be “very happy” in her current role, well-placed sources said: “If there is any move involving her [she] doesn’t want a repeat of the shenanigans last time round”.

Ms Burton yesterday suggested it would be "very positive" if Mr Gilmore left the Department of Foreign Affairs and took up a domestic portfolio.

Fraught relationship
Other Labour TDs have already suggested such a move, but it is understood Ms Burton's statement yesterday led to objections from Mr Gilmore's office. The relationship between Mr Gilmore and Ms Burton, his deputy leader, has often been fraught.

Mr Gilmore faced similar calls from backbench deputies, particularly in the wake of the Meath East by-election last year which saw Labour finish fifth. Speculation has linked Mr Gilmore to the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, even though the latter is seen as a Fine Gael post.

Ms Burton rejected suggestions Labour's poor showing in a recent Irish Times /Ipsos MRBI poll, when it scored just 9 per cent, was due to Mr Gilmore's focus on matters in the Department of Foreign Affairs to the detriment of his involvement in domestic issues.

“I think people in the Labour Party have made it clear over quite a lengthy period of time that they would very much appreciate if Eamon was able to work full time in a ministry at home,” Ms Burton added. “Certainly that would be very positive if that were to happen.”