Burton enters race for Labour deputy leadership

The Labour TD for Dublin West, Ms Joan Burton, has announced her candidacy for the deputy leadership of the party.

Ms Burton TD has been nominated by Ms Jan O Sullivan, TD for East Limerick, and seconded by Mr Tommy Broughan from Dublin North East.

Ms Burton said result of the General Election was " deeply disappointing".

"By any standards it was a wake-up call to the Labour leadership that the support in elections of many left-leaning voters cannot be taken for granted," she said. "I intend to represent that viewpoint in the leadership election".

Ms Joan Burton

Ms Burton said she wished to help lead a Labour Party that was "robust" in its opposition to the Government, with "no hidden or ambiguous agenda". She said she would also promote party activism on the ground to represent the "deep yearning" for a different style of politics to attract voter participation.

Securing equal opportunities for all citizens, a fair tax system and a commitment to protect the environment would also be major priorities if she were elected, she said.

Deputy leader Mr Brendan Howlin announced his intention to run for leadership of the party last week.

The current party leader, Mr Ruairí Quinn, announced last month that he would not be seeking re-election for a second term in October.