Labour's new leader to be in place by October 5

Labour's National Executive Committee have announced that their new party leader will be in place on October 5.

The executive met at Liberty Hall at lunchtime today to agree the arrangements for the election of the party's new leader and deputy leader.

Today is the official opening date for nominations and, so far, there are three candidates confirmed.

Eamon Gilmore is the only candidate for the leadership, with Joan Burton and Jan O'Sullivan in the hat for the deputy leadership.

The closing date is midday this coming Thursday.

Ballots will then be sent to paid up Labour Party members a week later, on Thursday, September 13.

Election day will be three weeks after that on Thursday, October 4.

The ballot will close at noon and the new Labour leadership will take office the following day.