Rabbitte remains favourite

Fionnán Sheahan, Political Reporter

The party’s controversial internal appeals process has seen an extra 500 members given votes since the start of the contest.

Party insiders believe the outcome is still too close to call. While Mr Rabbitte remains the bookies’ fancy, Brendan Howlin is the choice of the party establishment. However, Eamon Gilmore is thought to be well in contention. From the outset, Róisín Shortall was the rank outsider in the contest but her transfers will still have a vital impact on the result.