"Why I'm Still A Socialist"

Former Labour Party leader and Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore has a new book out, and it’s causing a bit of a stir. Inside The Room is a behind the scenes account of the often fraught relationship between Labour and Fine Gael ministers as they battled to keep the economy afloat following the arrival of the troika under the previous government. Amongst the topics covered in the book are: • the day he thought he would have to collapse the Government after the retirement of Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan. • Concern in cabinet about leaks to the media. The worry was so great that ministers had to put their mobile phones on the table during one meeting. • A “full scale row” at a cabinet meeting between Gilmore and Taoiseach Enda Kenny over water charges • How he was fired from the cabinet by Joan Burton during a two minute meeting. Mr Gilmore joined Matt in studio to talk about those controversies, more recent government rows and about whether he still considers himself a socialist.