Joan Burton has hinted that Labour may not go into government in the next Dáil if it does not have many TDs.

The Tanaiste told the Labour national conference that she wants Labour to be re-elected to government for the first time in its history.

But she says it is also important to have enough TDs to show influence, suggesting Labour may not be interested in power if it loses many seats.

She was speaking to delegates on the opening night of the conference in Killarney.

In her opening remarks, Ms Burton took aim at Gerry Adams' admission that he is "not good at maths".

And she said Labour has actually done better in government than she expected.