The news for the former environment minister Alan Kelly just keeps on getting worse after latest reports this morning state that his hopes of becoming the next Labour leader are fading fast.
Mr Kelly’s dream is looking all but over as it is believed the vast majority of the party are in favour of naming Brendan Howlin as their next leader.
It is understood the deputy party leader is the only party member not in favour of naming Mr Howlin’s as Joan Burton’s successor. It is widely expected that the two contenders will hold further discussions about the future of the party at Leinster House this afternoon.
Mr Kelly’s chances of becoming party leader look increasingly slim as he currently needs the full support of a senior member within the party which is thought not to be coming, meaning he will be unable contest the party leadership. However Mr Kelly does have until Friday to persuade one of his colleagues to support his candidacy.
The news of the imminent contesting of the party leadership comes as party sources believe the issue needs to be resolved quickly as the party does need an internal debate heading into an early General Election.
The party believe that the right leader could help them make a swift return to Government as a Fine Gael-led minority Government will not last long.