Burton tipped to take reins after Gilmore resigns

The battle for the job of pulling the Labour Party back from the brink will begin today when nominations open for a leader to replace Eamon Gilmore who conceded his party needs "a new voice".

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton was immediately installed as the favourite to take the helm following a humiliating result for the junior coalition party in the local and European elections.

Alex White, the junior health minister, is expected to be her biggest competition, with the support of a handful of the party’s younger generation of TDs rallying behind him.