Lynch may make surprise bid for deputy leader
The Irish Examiner understands Mr Lynch is taking soundings from supporters and party colleagues about throwing his hat into the ring.
This came as the Limerick deputy Jan O’Sullivan last night declared she will be a candidate for the position, which involves a separate election to the one for leader.
With Eamon Gilmore such an overwhelming favourite to succeed Pat Rabbitte, the more exciting contest may be the deputy role.
And with Mr Lynch’s possible entry into the race, it may yet be portrayed as the battle that will shape the future direction of the party.
Mr Lynch, who returned to Cork yesterday from holidays in Turkey, is actively looking at a leadership role in the party.
Ms O’Sullivan, the party’s education spokesperson has been an effective performer in the Dáil and is expected to stand on her solid track record and experience during her campaign.
“I want to be at the heart of the development of the party and I feel that I have a lot to contribute in this regard,” she told the Irish Examiner last night.
“One of the reasons is geographical. So far all the names are from Dublin. It’s very important that we have a voice that represents the rest of the country,” she said.
There is also a distinct possibility others will also enter the fray before the close of nominations in mid-September. Mr Lynch was the only Labour candidate to gain a seat for the party in a constituency that was not expanding (Joanne Tuffy won a seat in the newly enlarged Dublin Mid West).
Renewal is a huge theme of the party since its “standstill” election performance.
As one of the party’s three new TDs, it is known the 43-year-old deputy believes he will be perfectly placed to represent the younger generation in the party leadership.
The party’s health spokeswoman Liz McManus has been the party’s deputy leader for the past five years but is now acting leader following Mr Rabbitte’s resignation.
It’s not known if she is interested in seeking the role for another six years — her name has also been mentioned for the top position. Other names mentioned for the deputy leader job are Willie Penrose and Róisín Shortall.
Mr Lynch has shown himself to be a doughty candidate who has bucked the odds by topping the poll in a council election and winning a seat at the expense of Dan Boyle in one of the most fiercely contested constituencies.
