24/08/2007

Search Begins For New Labour Leader

The process of finding a new Labour Party leader has begun, following the resignation of Pat Rabbitte on Thursday.

A number of possible candidates have been named in various reports, including; Eamon Gilmore, the party's environment spokesperson; Tommy Broughan, the party's communications, marine and natural resources spokesperson; finance spokesperson Joan Burton and former deputy leader and new Leas-Cheann Comhairle Brendan Howlin.

The process to elect a new leader is expected to last until mid-October, when party members will elect a new leader via postal ballot.

The party's deputy leader Liz McManus took over from Mr Rabbitte following the announcement of his resignation.

Mr Rabbitte had been leader of the Labour Party for five years. His reason for resigning was due to the party's results in the recent general election and their failure to win any new seats, as well as a need for the party to modernise.

(KMcA/SP)

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