The Tanaiste says it's vital for the future of Ireland that Labour gets back into government.
But Joan Burton still believes it will be spring before voters will get a chance to pass their judgement on the coalition, and return it to office.
Meanwhile the public expenditure minister has played down reports about the spending measures to be included in the Budget.
Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly filed this report from Labour's think-in in Co Wicklow:
