It was in 1966 that Coughlan first began to clash with fellow Limerick labour member Jim Kemmy, something that would go on to become a reoccurring feature of both men's careers. Kemmy was a Limerick bricklayer who had self-taught himself about socialism before joining the Labour party in 1963. Kemmy proved to be an energetic organiser and it didn't take him long to recruit 100 working-class locals as new branch members.
In 1966, Coughlan first encountered disagreements with fellow Limerick labor member Jim Kemmy, an ongoing aspect of their careers. Kemmy was a Limerick bricklayer who taught himself socialism before joining the Labour party in 1963. Kemmy proved to be an energetic organizer and quickly recruited 100 working-class locals as new branch members.