and the other labour exiles ...

ROISIN SHORTALL, Dublin North-West

Ms Shortall, the former junior minister for health, left the party this year over disagreements with Health Minister James Reilly. Ms Shortall said she felt was not supported by Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore in disputes with Dr Reilly. She has since described the party's performance as "embarrassing".

Patrick Nulty, Dublin West

Mr Nulty was elected in Dublin West following the death of Brian Lenihan. He was elected on October 28 last year, but left Labour's Dail ranks on Budget day over cuts.

Tommy Broughan, Dublin North-East

Mr Broughan voted against the Government on a procedural motion on the Dail Order of Business. Mr Broughan also voted against the bank guarantee extension itself, and his move to the Independent benches was not unexpected. He had been against the FG coalition in the first place.

Willie Penrose, Longford-Westmeath

Mr Penrose (left) was the first Labour TD to lose the party whip when he left in November 2011. Mr Penrose, then the super junior minister for housing who sat at Cabinet, objected to a decision to close of Columb Barracks in his own constituency. He is the most senior TD to date to have left the party to date.