New Labour party leader will be known tonight

The Labour party should have a new leader by tonight. Balloting for the elections of a new leader and deputy leader will close at noon today with the counting of votes getting underway at 2.30pm.

Established in 1912, the Labour party is the oldest political party in Ireland. For the first time in its long history, it will elect a new leader by a national ballot of its 4,000 or so paid-up members. The four contestants for the position to succeed Ruairi Quinn are Pat Rabbitte, Eamon Gilmore, Roisin Shortall and Brendan Howlin.