Quinn served with ‘diligence and distinction’

Mr Quinn who announced his decision not to seek a second term as leader of the Labour Party today received tributes from across the political spectrum.

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said "Ruairí Quinn had served the Labour Party and the people of Ireland with diligence, enthusiasm and distinction".

"At the end of his term as leader of the Labour Party he can look back with pride on his career of service to people both North and South of this island," he added.

The Fine Gael leader Mr Enda Kenny said "Ruairí Quinn led the Labour Party with courage and conviction. His depth and breadth of experience will be of ongoing value both to the Labour Party and politics in general."

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Dermot Lacey, took the opportunity "to thank Mr Quinn for his work for this city and country and to wish him and his family every success in the future".

However not everyone praised Mr Quinn’s leadership of the Labour Party. Mr Daithí Doolan of Sinn Feín claimed that "under Ruairí Quinn the Labour Party continued to move further and further towards the right of Irish politics. He leaves behind a party on the decline, in disarray and unable to identify with the electorate or the general public."