Labour shocked as Upton bows out

THE Labour Party was hit with another political blow last night as a second high-profile female TD in just a number of weeks announced she would not be seeking re-election.

Dublin South Central TD Mary Upton said her move to bow out of national politics after 11 years would open the way for others.

But her shock decision leaves party strategists in a difficult position who were counting on her popularity to help carry through a second Labour candidate in the area in the next general election.