The former General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has described Labour's decline in the recent General Election as 'horrendous for party'.

Just six Labour TD's have been elected, while Willie Penrose will be fighting to retain his seat when a re-count resumes in Longford-Westmeath this afternoon.

It is crucial for the party, as seven TDs are needed to secure speaking rights in the Dáil.

Former ICTU boss, David Begg, says the election has been dreadful for Labour because of austerity cuts: