Labour calls in auditors to take account of unprecedented leadership battle

By John Downing

As nominations closed last night it remained a four-cornered battle between: Eamon Gilmore of Dun Laoghaire; Brendan Howlin of Wexford; Pat Rabbitte of Dublin South West; and Roisin Shorthall of Dublin North West.

A separate ballot for the election of deputy leader also attracted four candidates: Joan Burton of Dublin West; Joe Costello of Dublin Central; Liz McManus of Wicklow; and Willie Penrose of Westmeath.