‘Combative Jack Russell’ Brendan Howlin on salvation mission as new Labour leader

At the third attempt, Brendan Howlin has become the Labour leader.

Having been defeated by Ruairi Quinn in 1997 and Pat Rabbitte in 2002, Howlin, aged 60, had made it known he would only take the job if unopposed.

After several days of internal discussions, Alan Kelly’s bid to become leader ran into the sand as not one of his colleagues would second his nomination.