De Rossa backs Gilmore

Labour MEP Pronsias de Rossa has given his backing to Eamon Gilmore's bid for the party leadership.

Mr Gilmore is expected to take up the position unchallenged as no other candidates have put their names forward and several contenders have already ruled themselves out of the running.

The deadline for nominations expires on Thursday.

Mr Gilmore has already attracted the support of several key party members, including former leader Ruairi Quinn and party whip Emmet Stagg.

Mr de Rossa says he believes Mr Gilmore would be an excellent leader and a good choice to boost support for Labour.