Westmeath TD Mr Willie Penrose has announced his intention to contest the deputy leadership of the Labour Party.
Mr Penrose said he had taken the decision after receiving several approaches from several people in the party.
It had been reported that Mr Penrose was set to form an alliance with deputy Mr Pat Rabbitte to seek leadership of the party. However, Mr Penrose made no reference to this arrangement today.
Announcing his decision, Mr Penrose said the party had a job on its hands to broaden its electoral support. "The Labour Party need to be to the forefront in articulating the desire of decent Irish people for a more humane and inclusive society."