Labour Leader Nominations Open

Nominations have opened today to elect Eamon Gilmore's successor as leader of the Labour Party.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs announced he would be standing down in July following the party's poor performance in the European and Local Elections, which precipitated two motions of no confidence over his leadership of Labour.

Party Chair Loraine Mulligan said: "Eamon has been in charge at arguably the most difficult period of the State's history, and he has spearheaded Labour's efforts to rescue our country from the abyss. The Irish people have endured pain to bring about this progress and they are now impatient to ensure recovery benefits them in a tangible way.

"As Party Chairperson and through my own election experience I know the determination of our TDs, Senators, MEPs, Councillors, candidates and activists to support and work for the party. I know Eamon will be actively involved in renewing our priorities and approach and I thank him for laying a strong foundation upon which we can build."

Taoiseach Enda Kenny thanked Mr Gilmore for "his outstanding service to the country as Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade."

He said: "On a personal level, the Tánaiste and I have worked very well together in managing the work of government. He is a man of integrity, courage and conviction. He has assured me that the Labour Party remains fully committed to providing stable government, and to the completion of our mandate to fix our public finances and to create jobs for our people."

(IT/JP)