Labour recruit former TD in Mayo

The former Mayo TD Jerry Cowley has joined the Labour Party.

Dr Cowley has been unveiled at the party's national conference in Galway this evening.

Labour hasn't held a seat in Mayo since former leader Tom O'Connell was elected there in 1927.

The party's decision to sign up a former TD shows it intends to try and win seats in the northern half of the country at the next election.

Dr Jerry Cowley - a doctor - served as an independent from 2002 to 2007 but lost out when Fine Gael won a third seat in the constituency.

Up to 1,000 delegates are gathering there this evening as Labour rides high in the polls - second to Fine Gael and ahead of Fianna Fáil in many in recent months.

The party is to focus on jobs, the economy and banks and will hear a call for a three-way television debate including Eamon Gilmore, the Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny at the next election.