Former general sSecretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, David Begg, has described Labour's decline in the recent General Election as 'horrendous for the party'.

There is just six incoming Labour TDs - while the parties Willie Penrose is currently involved in a re-count in the Longford Westmeath Constituency - where he is fighting to secure a seat.

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Second recount of Longford-Westmeath vote Has resumed at Keenagh #ge16 #ldwh

— RTElongfordWESTMEATH (@RTElongfordWMH) March 2, 2016

It is crucial for the party - who need seven TDs - in order to secure speaking rights in the Dáil.

The ex-trade unionist and chair of the Pension Authority, David Begg, has said there is clearly a pushback against austerity: “It’s obviously horrendous for the party.

“It is part of a pattern I think that small parties in Coalition tend to experience.

“There is a push-back against austerity, that is the reality of it, I don’t think it could be otherwise, quite frankly, because people have suffered quite a lot.”