Labour has insisted there is no divergence between the stance of party leader Brendan Howlin and that of the party’s youth wing on the unlawful occupation of property by the Take Back the City group in Dublin.

Labour Youth on Tuesday issued a statement in which it “distanced itself from comments made by senior members of the Labour Party suggesting that protest and direct action are less valid vehicles for change than legislation.

“The Labour Party’s origins are in protest and civil disobedience,” said spokeswoman Chloe Manahan.

“Involvement in the struggle for workers’ rights and in the civil rights movement as well as the distribution of contraception and of information pertaining to abortion were triggers for some of the proudest moments of the history of this party.”

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‘No contradiction’

A spokesman for Mr Howlin said there was no contradiction between his position and that set out by Labour Youth. He referred to an interview Mr Howlin did on Monday in which he said he had taken to the streets and been involved in many protests.

“I think it is a national scandal when people are literally on the street, when 10,000 people are homeless, that we have so many vacant properties,” he said. “I understand that anger and I applaud those who are making peaceful protest.”

However, he went on to say the solution was for local authorities to exercise their legal authority and compulsorily purchase those buildings.

Labour Youth, however, defended the occupation of the properties, something that was not specifically defended by Mr Howlin.

“Civil disobedience and protest have been core to this movement since its inception. It is crucial that Labour activists feel supported and empowered to do what is moral, just and right – not simply what is allowed,” it said.

Ms Managhan added: “Labour Youth reasserts its commitment to protesting wrongs, as well as providing solutions.”