Labour leadership nominations close today

Nominations for the Labour leadership and deputy leadership contests will close at midday today.

So far, the race for the top job is between just two candidates - Social Protection Minister Joan Burton and Junior Health Minister Alex White.

Four deputies have thrown their hats into the ring for the deputy leader position - Junior Transport Minister, Alan Kelly, Minister of State for Research and Innovation Seán Sherlock, Cork TD Michael McCarthy and Waterford TD Ciara Conway.