Burton: Election campaign begins immediately if I'm voted as leader

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has said she will immediately begin Labour's general election campaign if she is elected party leader.

Minister Burton was addressing Labour party delegates at a hustings in Galway this evening.

She said she realised that some Labour members at the meeting were concerned about Labour's continued participation in Government.

But she said it was essential for the party to be in a position to drive through positive change.

The Social Protection Minister is up against the Junior Health Minister Alex White for leadership of the party.

All Labour party members can vote in the election, the result of which is due on July 4.