Howlin tipped to take Labour reins

BRENDAN HOWLIN emerged as front-runner in the battle for leadership of the Labour Party last night after Ruairí Quinn announced his intention to step down from the helm.

Eamon Gilmore, 47, and Joan Burton, 53, have also emerged as strong potential candidates, according to party sources, although no-one has officially announced their intention to run yet.

The five-week battle for leadership got underway yesterday as several deputies took soundings from their party colleagues and a final list of leadership hopefuls will be completed next month.