Race beings to succeed Rabbitte as Labour leader

The race is on to find a new leader for the Labour Party following the resignation of Pat Rabbitte yesterday afternoon.

Mr Rabbitte, who is stepping down with immediate effect, had led the party since 2002, but failed to make significant gains in this year's general election.

Deputy leader Liz McManus takes over at the helm until the party elects a new leader, most likely in October.

No-one has yet declared their candidacy for the job but, there are a number of obvious front-runners, including Eamon Gilmore, Brendan Howlin and Ms McManus herself.

Speaking as he resigned yesterday, Mr Rabbitte said the new leader would have a big challenge on their hands to make Labour and what it stands for relevant in modern Irish society.