Pat Rabbitte confirms he will not contest general election

Former Labour leader Pat Rabbitte has confirmed he will not contest the next general election.

Mr Rabbitte told party members at a convention tonight he would be stepping down from politics.

The Dublin South West TD had put his name forward for the selection convention. However, he then decided it was time to step back from politics.

Mr Rabbitte was demoted from Cabinet last year by Tánaiste Joan Burton.

He had served as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

He joins Ruairí Quinn and former tánaiste Eamon Gilmore on a list of senior Labour figures who have decided not to contest the next election.