Profile of Brendan Howlin
Proposed by: Ms Brian O'Shea TD and seconded by Ms Breeda Moynihan Cronin TD.
Born: 1956.
Marital Status: Single.
Political career to date: A former teacher, the Labour Party deputy leader has been Minister for Health and Minister for the Environment in two coalition Governments. He lost out to the present leader, Mr Ruairí Quinn, by 34 votes to 27 in the last leadership election in 1997.
The Wexford man first became involved in the Labour party 30 years ago in the campaign against a nuclear power station at Carnsore Point. He has been a member of the parliamentary party for almost twenty years.
Strengths: Mr Howlin is highly articulate and intelligent and is well thought of within the parliamentary party. He is seen as Mr Quinn's anointed heir and his experience in two coalition governments should be an advantage. Popular in the constituencies, Mr Howlin made a commitment throughout his career to the party organisation. He will be hoping that investment will now pay off.
Weaknesses: Mr Howlin's close association with the last two Labour Party leaders, Mr Quinn and Mr Dick Spring, may be a disadvantage, with the feeling among many in the party that a complete break from the past is necessary.
There is a view that the party needs to develop a sharper, more radical image in Irish politics. There is doubt whether he is the man to win back some of the core vote that has slipped away to the Greens and Sinn Féin.
There is a view that his decision to reject rumours that he was gay may have backfired. In doing so, he may have unwittingly opened up to the Labour electorate the whole issue of his judgment.
Bookies odds: 11/8