The new leader and deputy leader of the Labour Party will be chosen later today following the counting of votes cast by the rank-and-file members of the party.

The one-member, one-vote election marks the first time the leadership of one of the three main parties has been chosen directly by the ordinary members, and not by TDs, senators and MEPs.

More than 3,000 of the 3,800 party members entitled to vote have cast their ballots, which will be opened at 2 p.m. today in the party's Ely Place headquarters in Dublin under the watchful eye of independent auditors.

The favourite to win the leadership remains Dublin South West TD Mr Pat Rabbitte while Westmeath TD Mr Willie Penrose is still favourite to join him as deputy leader.