'No regrets' says resigning Rabbitte

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte today declared he had “no regrets” after he became the latest casualty of the general election.

He stubbornly defended policy decisions to enter a pre-election pact with Fine Gael and his refusal to share power with Fianna Fáil.

Mr Rabbitte said he was stepping down now to give his successor enough time to concentrate on the new Dáil term and the local and European elections next year.

“I had my stint and I will support whoever comes after me to continue the process,” he told a packed press conference in central Dublin.

Speaking of the general election, he explained: “I feel I did give it my best shot. I kind of felt that I would have only one shot at it. I have no regrets. I enjoyed almost every single day of the election campaign.”

He also stood over his refusal to enter into a coalition with Fianna Fail because it would hamper the Labour party’s future.

“It wasn’t wrong. My conviction is still as long as it ever was. Labour would have paid a serious price coming out of government.”

Progressive Democrats leader Michael McDowell and Green Party boss Trevor Sargent both earlier resigned from their positions after the general election.

Mr McDowell lost his seat in Dublin South East and Mr Sargent quit because he failed to honour an pre-election pledge not to lead his party into power with Fianna Fáil.

Mr Rabbitte pledged to continue to work for the party and accept whatever portfolio a future leader offered him.

He declined to express a preference for his successor but added: “He or she would have to be strong on policy and also be very focused on the party’s organisation.”

Labour leader Pat Rabitte has no regrets about resigning.