JOAN BURTON HAS has told Labour members that the party will be a “sensible voice of opposition in contrast to the parties of protest and populism” in the wake of its worst election ever.

The party leader said Labour must ”reflect, rebuild and renew” in the wake of the general election.

The Tánaiste has written an email to all of the party’s members and supporters in the wake of its disastrous general election result, which saw its Dáil numbers reduced from 33 to just seven.

The last of these TDs, the long-serving Willie Penrose, was re-elected in Longford-Westmeath this morning.

In her e-mail to members this afternoon, Burton said it has been a “tough week” for the party with the result coming as “a huge disappointment to all of us”.

“We believe we have done very positive work for the country over the last five years, but, unfortunately, people have had to endure a lot and the government parties have borne the brunt,” she wrote.

Burton said the election of Penrose was “one small positive” as it gives the party speaking rights in the next Dáil.

She confirmed the party would go into opposition, saying:

This means that our parliamentary team can position ourselves as a sensible voice of opposition in contrast to the parties of protest and populism.

Burton said her thoughts are with friends and colleagues as well as activists, campaigners and members who worked “so hard during one of the most difficult elections in our history”.

“We are all hurting. But we should always be proud to be Labour Party members, and to continue to work for a better and fairer future for all,” she added.

Read: Labour just had the worst election in its 104-year history

Read: Most people think it’s time for Joan Burton to go