Absence of Alan Kelly casts shadow on Brendan Howlin's day as he's elected Labour Party

Wexford TD and former minister Brendan Howlin has been elected unchallenged as the 12th leader of the Labour Party.

He succeeds Joan Burton, who resigned following the party’s disastrous general election result.

Mr Howlin denied that he is a “reluctant” leader but said he is committed to rebuilding the party.