Alan Kelly declines to say if he has seconder to contest Labour leadership

Labour deputy leader Alan Kelly has declined to say if he believes any of his six fellow TDs will second his nomination to contest the party leadership.

Mr Kelly can nominate himself but he needs a seconder to enter the contest. The seven TDs meet on Tuesday and nominations for the leadership, with the party membership the electorate, close on Friday.

Speaking to journalists at the James Connolly commemoration in Arbour Hill Dublin on Sunday, Mr Kelly said he had spoken to his colleagues in recent weeks and days.

“I think it is really important we just get into a room and have a deep discussion,’’ he added. “And that is what will happen.’’

He said thousands of members of the party would be interested in the leadership contest and many of them had contacted him. “I mean, really, this is a decision for the Labour party members,’’ he added.

Mr Kelly denied media reports his fellow TDs were attempting to ensure he would not get a seconder.

“I do don’t read too much into that,’’ he said. “The Labour party does not do conspiracy theories.’’

Labour TD Brendan Howlin, who is expected to announce early next week he will be seeking the leadership, said he wanted every party member to be part of a team to rebuild the party.

“I want to do whatever task the parliamentary party wants to give me in rebuilding the party and ensuring we are back shaping the future of our country,’’ he added.

Mr Howlin said the party would have a number of nominations or a single nomination by next Friday.

Asked if he thought everybody who wanted to run should be facilitated with a seconder, Mr Howlin said the rules were outlined in the party’s constitution.

“My general view of any election is that I accept the rules and that I run by the rules,’’ he added.