Updated 12.35

MEP Phil Prendergast says she has no regrets about calling for Eamon Gilmore to step down as leader of the Labour Party.

Yesterday she said Minister Joan Burton should take over leadership of the party to avert a disastrous election for Labour.

But the Social Protection Minister later confirmed her support for Mr Gilmore, saying she has full confidence in him as leader. Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte joined her in re-affirming his support for the leader, with a terse 'of course' when asked by reporters if he continues to back Gilmore.

Speaking to Morning Mix on South East Radio today Phil Prendergast said she has no regrets about speaking her mind:

Elsewhere, one of the party's junior minister's says he would like to lead the party, but not yet.

Alex White says Labour already has a very good leader in Eamon Gilmore, and denied the party has a leadership issue.

He says he wishes the party's Munster MEP Phil Prendergast had not questioned the Tánaiste's position so close to the local and European elections.

And despite being mentioned in today's papers as a potential leadership candidate, Alex White says there's no prospect of a challenge any time soon:

Eamon Gilmore is expected to meet with Phil Prendergast later, over her comments.

Yesterday he told reporters he wouldn't be drawn into a 'family row' ahead of the polls in May:

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach & Tánaiste will attempt to reach a deal on water charges later - ahead of a Cabinet meeting tomorrow. They will be hoping to avoid the kind of adverse coverage last week's contentious meet attracted.