Broughan remains coy, but Gilmore still looks a shoo-in

MAVERICK Labour TD Tommy Broughan was staying tight-lipped last night over whether he would force frontrunner Eamon Gilmore into a contest for the party leadership.

However, it looked as if Mr Gilmore could expect a “coronation” when nominations for the post close this Thursday.

If he is challenged, the 4,500 party members eligible to vote will have until October 4 to make their choice.

With Mr Gilmore firm favourite to succeed outgoing Pat Rabbitte, attention is focusing on the battle for the deputy leadership.

Limerick TD Jan O’Sullivan was seen as having an early edge over Dublin West opponent Joan Burton, despite Ms Burton enjoying a higher national profile as the party’s shadow finance minister.

Acting deputy leader Liz McManus told a national executive meeting at the weekend she would not be standing to retain her current deputy leader post, or to succeed Mr Rabbitte.

Ms McManus said the decision was due to her wish for Labour to take a European Parliament seat in Leinster in 2009; however, the Wicklow TD stopped short of declaring her intention to run in two years’ time.