Retiring Labour TD’s high hopes for party seats

AN outgoing Labour politician, who yesterday became the 27th retiring member of the current Dáil, believes his party could win seats numbering in the “mid to high 50s” in the next general election.

Brian O’Shea from Waterford told party leader Eamon Gilmore of his intention to retire and said it was “a very difficult decision” which was taken following consultation with his family over the festive season.

His retirement opens up a race to succeed him as the Labour flagbearer in Waterford, with several candidates expected to make an attempt to get on the ballot paper for the forthcoming general election.