Wicklow TD Ms Liz McManus confirmed today she intends to contest the deputy leadership of the Labour Party in the upcoming election.
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Ms Liz McManus
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In a statement this morning, Ms McManus said she did not intend to form a pre-election pact with any of the candidates for the leadership of the party.
Ms McManus said the party needed a balanced leadership that reflected both gender and geographic diversity.
Announcing her candidature, Ms McManus criticised the "right-wing agenda so assiduously pursued by Fianna Fáil and the PDs" for deepening divisions in Irish society.
As the party health spokesperson, Ms McManus said she was sure a quality health service for all is a core value for Labour Party members.
She also hinted at a more outward looking party strategy, stating that her go-between role for the Labour Party with the SDLP of Northern Ireland "reinforces the commitment that we have to forging links with parties of similar outlook particularly at international level".
The leader an deputy leader will be elected in a postal ballot of the party's 3,600 registered members. The ballot ends on October 25th, and nominations close on Wednesday September 18th.