Brendan Howlin hopes to double Labour TDs

Brendan Howlin says he wants to at least double number of Labour TDs in the Dáil after the next election and increase membership from 4,000 to 8,000.

Speaking at the conclusion of the party’s think-in at the Mansion House yesterday, the Labour leader said the party is “very conscious” that they took a “drubbing” during the last election, but outlined very ambitious rebuilding plans.

Labour had 37 TDs after the 2011 general election, but has seen its numbers plummet to just seven members in the current Dáil.