Labour keen to avoid contest as Brendan Howlin backed by TDs

Wexford TD Brendan Howlin is to run for the Labour Party leadership, having received the support of the majority of the parliamentary party to succeed Joan Burton.

Mr Howlin, who has run for the position twice before, is eager to avoid a contest and has been in contact with the party's deputy leader Alan Kelly to make this clear to him.

Mr Kelly last week confirmed his intention to stand for the leadership but has yet to persuade any of his colleagues in the parliamentary party to back him publicly. He needs another Labour TD to second his nomination.

A party source said Mr Howlin and Mr Kelly had been in close contact in an effort to reach a consensus on the issue.

It is understood the former minister for the environment is being encouraged by his colleagues to back Mr Howlin and avoid a leadership contest.

Divisive election

“The parliamentary party are quite clear on the need to avoid a divisive leadership election,” a party source said.

“We have seven TDs. The last thing we need is two of them having a go at each other in a leadership contest. We need to stick together. Now is not the time for a battle. We have to pick ourselves off the floor and rebuild the party.”

The parliamentary party will meet this afternoon and while the leadership issue is not on the agenda, it is expected to be discussed.

Ms Burton and Willie Penrose, the chairman of the parliamentary party, have insisted they will not become involved in the succession race.

However, Mr Penrose has indicated he would prefer a consensus was reached and one candidate chosen.

The three remaining Labour TDs have discussed the leadership several times and are understood to favour Mr Howlin as the agreed candidate.

Cork TD Seán Sherlock and Limerick TD Jan O’Sullivan last week said they were contemplating contesting the leadership.

However, both are understood to favour Mr Howlin in the event of a contest.

Labour has five Senators, including former ministers Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Kevin Humphreys and Ged Nash. However, they cannot propose or second a nomination for leader or deputy leader.

Nominations for the election of leader and deputy leader opened on Saturday and will close on Friday at noon.

If a contest is required, ballots will be issued to 4,000 members on May 23rd which must then be returned by June 17th.

The party’s executive board has agreed the count will take place immediately. The party’s legal adviser will be returning officer, and the party’s auditors will be appointed to oversee the process.

Water charges

Meanwhile, Mr Kelly yesterday urged Taoiseach Enda Kenny not to appoint

John Halligan

as a minister of state.

Mr Halligan has not paid his water charges but confirmed yesterday to The Irish Times he was not liable for the levies.

The Waterford TD said he lived with his partner who is the owner of their property.

Mr Kelly said Mr Kenny needed to ensure his minister abided by the law and did not pick and choose which legislation he wanted to adhere to.

He said: “It is incumbent on Taoiseach Enda Kenny to ensure that everybody who is privileged enough to be in a position to serve as a minister in his Government fully respects the law. That includes John Halligan.”