Kelly seeks support from Labour’s rank and file

Labour leadership contender Alan Kelly is making a pitch over the heads of his Dáil colleagues and towards rank- and-file party members in his bid to succeed Joan Burton.

Mr Kelly confirmed on the Late Late Show it was his intention to compete for the leadership while Wexford TD Brendan Howlin and Limerick City's Jan O'Sullivan, as well as Cork East's Seán Sherlock, are also contemplating standing.

The contest at this stage is viewed, however, to be between Mr Kelly and Mr Howlin.

Mr Kelly has declined to say whether he believes any of his six fellow TDs will second his nomination, with party sources saying there is a deep reluctance among his colleagues to do so. Mr Kelly can nominate himself but he needs a seconder to enter the contest.

Members of the parliamentary party, which includes five senators, have been pressing Mr Howlin to stand. The seven TDs meet tomorrow and nominations for the leadership, with the party membership as the electorate, close on Friday.

Seconder

Mr Howlin last night said he wanted a “consensus view” to emerge from the parliamentary party, and insisted Labour “must be ready to fight an election”. The Wexford deputy claimed the Fine Gael-Independent minority is unlikely to last long, adding Labour cannot spend too long debating its own affairs.

He said he wanted every party member to be part of a team to rebuild Labour. “I want to do whatever task the parliamentary party wants to give me in rebuilding the party and ensuring we are back shaping the future of our country,’’ he added.

Labour figures backing Mr Kelly insist the former minister for the environment has a guarantee that he will be given a seconder, but declined to say which TD will do that.

Mr Kelly yesterday said thousands of party members are interested in the leadership contest and many had contacted him. “I mean, really, this is a decision for the Labour Party members,’’ he added.

Sources supporting Mr Kelly said there is “concern” that he might be blocked from competing for leadership.

“The party has traditionally facilitated democratic processes and not blocked them so Alan’s supporters are concerned,” the source said. “He has told his supporters to prepare in case there is a contest and has been busy establishing his team by speaking with key members throughout the constituencies.

Support

“Alan’s strengths are with the members. He has gained significant support from the membership following his recent Dáil and media performances and this has seen an upswing again since his

Late Late

appearance. Members will be anxious to have their say in this contest.”

Speaking to journalists at the James Connolly commemoration in Arbour Hill, Dublin yesterday, Mr Kelly said it is important for the parliamentary party to "get into a room and have a deep discussion''. He denied his fellow TDs are trying to ensure he does not get a seconder. "I don't read too much into that,'' he said. "The Labour Party does not do conspiracy theories.''

Asked if he thought everybody who wanted to run should be facilitated with a seconder, Mr Howlin said the rules were outlined in the party’s constitution.

“My general view of any election is that I accept the rules and that I run by the rules,’’ he said.