Howlin expected to be sole Labour leader candidate

Brendan Howlin, the former public expenditure minister, is widely expected to be the only candidate for the Labour leadership.

It is understood that Alan Kelly, the former environment minister, was unable to get a seconder — meaning he will not be able to contend for the leadership, leaving the way open for Mr Howlin.

Three Labour TDs had put themselves into the mix for the party leadership ahead of today’s deadline.