Three TDs competing in Labour leadership battle
Three Labour TDs have put themselves forward for the leadership of the party ahead of tomorrow’s crunch deadline .
Deputy leader Alan Kelly, former Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin and Sean Sherlock have all voiced their interest in taking over as head of the party.
Speaking this afternoon Mr Kelly said members should be allowed to vote on the leadership, while Mr Howlin refused to comment on whether he would take part in such a contest.
The parliamentary party have had a number of meetings this week to discuss the leadership of the party, however, members would not confirm if any of those wishing to run have obtained a seconder to back their nominations for leader.
Mr Kelly who has made his ambitions for leadership very clear pushed for a ballot of all members of the party.
“I believe contest is healthy, but whether one will emanate or not, that’s really a matter for internal discussion.”
“Fundamentally we are all here because of the members and supporters who helps us, ultimately any decision that is come to must reflect what the members want because ultimately the Labour party is bigger than seven TDs or five senators, the 12 of us in the Oireachtas. It’s made up of thousands and thousands of people,” he said.
But Mr Howlin refused to state whether he would even take part in such a contest if it were to happen.
“I am participating in the internal discussions first."
He added that his own objective is to do “the best for the party”.
“We understand that we got a drubbing in the last election, we are absolutely determined as a body to overcome that to rebuild our party, to reconnect with people who vote for us and who think like us, who don’t vote for us yet,” Mr Howlin said.
Meanwhile Cork East TD Mr Sherlock did not rule himself of running to lead the party.
He said: “I am quite honestly still considering my position.”
