Dublin North East Labour TD Tommy Broughan has announced that he will not be standing in the forthcoming Labour leadership contest.
Labour's Tommy Broughan has announced he will not be running in the upcoming Labour leader contest.
In a statement released this evening, Mr Broughan said:
"I wish to thank all my family, friends, supporters and colleagues in Dublin North East and many other parts of Dublin and Ireland who have urged me to take part in the Labour Party leadership process."
"I did not believe that it was possible to mount a substantial enough challenge in the available time and circumstances of the aftermath of the recent General Election. I hope the leadership selection process will result in a re-energised and stronger Labour Party."
Mr Broughan's decision practically ensures the leadership post for Dún Laoghaire TD Eamon Gilmore who is the only party representative to have declared an interest in succeeding Pat Rabbitte as leader.
Mr Rabbite decided last month to step down following a disappointing general election performance.
Mr Broughan's decision follows Wicklow TD Liz McManus' declaration on Saturday that she would not contest the leadership race.
Ms Joan Burton and Ms Jan O'Sullivan are the only candidates to declare themselves interested in the deputy leadership post. Cork South Central TD Ciarán Lynch said he was also considering running for this position.
Earlier last week, Wexford TD Brendan Howlin and Dublin North West TD Róisín Shortall both ruled themselves out of the leadership race.
Ballot papers will be posted to Labour party members on Thursday, September 13th, and the voting will close at noon on Thursday, October 4th. The new leader and deputy leader will take office on Friday, October 5th.