The Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore says his leadership of the Labour Party is secure. This is despite a poor-showing yesterday by the party in the Meath East by-election.

It saw Labour secure less than 5% of the vote.

Two senior Labour Party members have also said that the leadership of Mr. Gilmore is firm but that a review of the Programme for Government is necessary.

Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast former Parliamentary Director with the party Tony Heffernan said he does not think there is a challenger to leadership within the Labour ranks.

"I think Labour Party members will look at it honestly, and say 'well, is there anyone in the Labour Party Parliamentary Party at the moment who will provide better leadership?'. I certainly don't see it" he said.

Calls for review of Programme for Government

Speaking to KFM the Labour Party Chair Jack Wall says the Programme for Government should be re-examined but no one has come to him calling for Eamon Gilmore's head.

Meanwhile Labour Chief Whip Emmet Stagg says policy change is needed and that a review of the Programme for Government would not go far enough.

Speaking in Dublin today for the first time since the result Mr. Gilmore said the party needs to reflect on the vote and its consequences.

When asked whether it was time to consider a renegotiation of the Programme for Government he said it was 'not the time to be making decisions on any one issue'.

Eamon Gilmore says it was a bad result for Labour and its implications will not be ignored.