Howlin throws hat into Labour leadership ring

LABOUR deputy leader Brendan Howlin became the first candidate to throw his hat in the ring for the party leadership yesterday.

Announcing his candidacy, Deputy Howlin said he put his name forward to replace Ruairí Quinn after talking and listening to members of the party around the country.

Opposing what he described as an awful government which had deceived the electorate last May would be his priority as leader, he said.