Alan Kelly celebrates with his family and supporters after being elected to the 33rd Dail. Photo: O Ducie

Kelly considering bid for Labour leadership

Published: Fri 14 Feb 2020, 8:23 AM

Last updated: Fri 14 Feb 2020, 8:26 AM

Newly-returned Tipperary TD Alan Kelly is thought to be in contact with supporters as he considers a bid for the Labour party leadership after Brendan Howlin has announced his resignation.
Mr Howlin announced his decision to resign on Wednesday following Labour's poor performance in the 2020 General Election, where its TD numbers dropped from seven to six.
Deputy Howlin has asked the Labour Party general secretary to begin making the arrangements for the nomination process and the membership election. Labour TDs Aodhan O Riordain and Ged Nash are also thought to be considering running for the party's top post while Cork East TD Sean Sherlock has ruled himself out of contention.
Labour’s executive board will meet this Saturday to approve the arrangements for the election of a new leader.
Only party TDs are eligible for the post of party leader, and candidates must be nominated by either two TDs (they can nominate themselves) or five constituency councils. All members of the party have a vote.
Deputy Howlin has led the party since Joan Burton stepped down in 2016. He was unopposed on that occasion as Deputy Kelly failed to get a nomination from any of his colleagues to run for the leadership.