Fine Gael has issued an email to its TDs and senators encouraging them to put pressure on Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte over concerns about the post office network.

It has caused anger and surprise in Labour, particularly since the junior Coalition partner has defended Minister for Justice Alan Shatter amid continuing controversy in recent weeks.

The internal email, seen by The Irish Times, asks TDs and senators to insert their names into a press statement template which says: "FG fully committed to maintaining An Post role in local communities" and "(TD/senator) calls on Minister to address concerns regarding post office network."

Mr Rabbitte has said there should be no fears of widespread closures, adding:

“I understand perfectly how important the post office is in the local community.”

The Irish Postmaster's Union (IPU) claims up to 600 post offices could close if the Government continues to move to electronic payments. It has also raised concerns about a new "post and pay" system being developed with Tesco.

The email was sent out by the Fine Gael press office on Thursday afternoon, hours after Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore expressed confidence in Mr Shatter and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton defended him in the Dáil. Mr Rabbitte has also expressed support for Mr Shatter.

“We are not impressed with either the tone or the timing,” a source said.

The email asks the Fine Gael Oireachtas members to insert their names and says the TD or senator has "has called on the Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte TD, to address concerns regarding the future viability of the post office network".

The Fine Gael email says the “syndicated press release” is for “local use only on the post office network”.

“You will need to amend the statement with your own details. Please consider issuing a joint statement if you share local media outlets with an FG colleague.”

It claims the Fine Gael internal communications committee “actively” sought a meeting with the IPU “in order to listen to the group’s concerns about the future viability of the An Post network”.

“”Fine Gael is fully committed to a strong and viable An Post and we recognise the hugely important role post offices play in local communities, particularly in rural areas,” it adds.

“I want to see the maximum number of post offices maintained in local communities across the country.

“Two thirds of our post offices are in rural areas, providing a very important service to local communities. I will be urging Minister Rabbitte to address the various concerns surrounding the future of the network.”