Rabbitte not saying who he wants as Labour leader

Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte has declined to reveal which candidate he will support in the Labour leadership contest.

Sources in the camp of Minister of State for Primary Care Alex White believe he will have a good chance of winning over to his side the old Democratic Left faction of the party, which includes Mr Rabbitte.

However, when asked today if Mr White could bank on his support, Mr Rabbitte would not be drawn.

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton is currently considered the front-runner in the leadership race.

“I haven’t made any announcement about the Labour leadership. The campaign seems to be underway, one picks up, and we’ll have a decision on July 4th,” Mr Rabbitte said.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Transport Alan Kelly, considered one of the front-runners in the race for the deputy leadership position, said it was probably appropriate for former leaders not to declare for any candidates.

Mr Kelly said when he was a senator Mr Rabbitte was party leader. “I must say I get on very well with Pat. He’s somebody who has worked very closely with me...he’s somebody I have respect for.”