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EAMON GILMORE AND Brendan Howlin both appeared to acknowledge reports of tension between the coalition parties this morning, but the two Labour ministers insisted that they share a common objective with Fine Gael.

Speaking outside Government Buildings this morning, the Tánaiste acknowledged “there are always going to be issues from time-to-time” but said he and the Taoiseach Enda Kenny “work closely to resolve them”.

He said he has a “good, working relationship” with Kenny that “will continue that way for the full lifetime of the government”.

Speaking earlier, the Public Expenditure and Reform Minister insisted that the government is working with a “common objective” and said that there is “an awful lot more to do”.

Howlin insisted that the reports of tensions are a result of a “lull period” and said the government is determined to work together.

“Will there be disputes? Will there be different views? Of course,” he said,

- reporting from Michelle Hennessy at Government Buildings

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