Brendan Howlin backed for leadership of Labour

Labour figures have backed acting minister Brendan Howlin to take over the leadership as recriminations break out over mismanagement of the party’s election campaign.

Rows erupted behind closed doors yesterday as embattled Labour leader Joan Burton presided over the first meeting of failed election candidates since polling day.

Several outgoing and former Labour parliamentarians have openly backed Mr Howlin to take over from Ms Burton, as questions remain over the party’s future.