Joan Burton has declined to say directly if she would like Eamon Gilmore to lead Labour into the local and European elections next year.

The comments from the  Social Protection Minister come after rebel Senator John Kelly gave a newspaper interview saying the Tánaiste should be replaced as leader before next May.

Senator Kelly told the Roscommon People that younger people should take over in the party. He has already defied the party leadership on the abolition of the Seanad and is openly campaigning for the retention of the Upper House.

But when asked three times if she would like to see Eamon Gilmore lead Labour through to the votes, she would only say that is what she expects him to do.