Former Labour leader weighs in behind Gilmore

THE overwhelming favourite to be the next Labour Party leader, Eamon Gilmore, yesterday steamrolled ahead in the popularity stakes with an endorsement from former party leader Ruairi Quinn.

His chances of succeeding Pat Rabbitte were also bolstered by Róisín Shortall’s decision not to contest the leadership.

With Joan Burton, Liz McManus and Tommy Broughan yet to declare if they will contest the leadership, sources were last night speculating that Mr Gilmore may be elected without a contest.