Gilmore targets 30 seats for Labour

Labour TD Eamon Gilmore today officially entered the race to become the next leader of his party and pledged to win "close to 30 seats" at the next general election.

The bookies' favourite for the post plans a massive canvass of up to 4,000 party members in coming weeks to succeed Pat Rabbitte.

Leadership hopeful Brendan Howlin yesterday withdraw from the race to focus more closely on his Co Wexford constituency.

Setting out his priorities, Mr Gilmore said he wanted to reassert the core values of Labour and to make them relevant to modern society.

The frontbench environment spokesman said he plans an open style of leadership which mobilises the talents and energy of the party's public representatives and supporters.

He also pledged to renew and revitalise the party's organisation, especially at local and constituency levels. Senator Dominic Hannigan will run his campaign.

"Our country needs new and relevant politics, based on ideas and substance, rather than just image and spin," he said.

"The challenges of our times, and of the new Ireland, call for new forms of accessible political expression.

"On issues ranging from climate change to the modernisation of public services and the provision of local amenities, people all over this country want a new relevant politics, creating an active citizenship in a real republic."

Party TDs Joan Burton, Tommy Broughan and Roisin Shortall are also believed to be interested in running for the top job.

Limerick East TD Jan O'Sullivan last night announced she will be running for the deputy leader position.

The party's education spokeswoman said she would bring a Mid-West regional perspective to the role within the party.

Mr Gilmore added: "At a practical level we should aim at winning close to 30 seats at the next General Election and to build an active campaigning organisation in every constituency, which is capable of winning a seat in every constituency within two elections.

"Labour should break free of, and reject the 'half party' limit which others impose on us - and which, sometimes, we inflict on ourselves. Labour must reach out and be relevant in all parts of our country, and every strand of society, while always remaining true to our core social democratic values of equality and justice."