The Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore says he intends to stay on as leader of the Labour Party, despite an earlier call for his resignation.

Tipperary-based MEP Phil Prendergast said this morning the party needs an urgent change, and called for Joan Burton to replace the Tanaiste as Labour leader.

This morning, Ms. Prendergast said the leadership of Mr. Gilmore is in a state of "chronic inability".

But speaking in Galway, Eamon Gilmore told Galway Bay Fm that he intends to stay right where he is.

A Labour TD has meanwhile said that the issue of party leadership will depend on how the local and European elections go.

Labour TD for Carlow-Kilkenny Ann Phelan told Newstalk Lunchtime that the issue of party leadership will depend on how the local and European elections go.

The Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte has rowed in behind Mr. Gilmore after the call by Ms. Prendergast.

Minister Rabbitte - himself a former Labour leader - says he does not want to comment on the remarks.

He says the party has taken a "disproportionate share" of the blame for difficult decisions by the government in recent years.

And Pat Rabbitte says Eamon Gilmore still has his backing.

She admitted she had not spoken to the Tánaiste about her feelings, prior to going to the media. Neither had she informed Joan Burton that she would be suggesting her as a replacement party leader.

After disastrous new polls for the party, Phil Prendergast insisted her move should not be construed as one of a panicked election candidate, instead arguing that consistent polls have been negative for the party.

Phil Prendergast told Newstalk Breakfast the party stands at the edge of a cliff, where 'an elbow will knock us off'.