Labour TD Éamon Gilmore is expected to be crowned leader of the Labour Party on Thursday, following the decision of Dublin North East TD Tommy Broughan last night to rule himself finally out of contention.
Mr Broughan last week repeatedly delayed announcing whether he would contest the leadership but did so last night on the ground that he did not have enough support to "mount a substantial enough challenge".
In a brief statement, Mr Broughan said: "I wish to thank all my family, friends, supporters and colleagues in Dublin North East and many other parts of Dublin and Ireland who have urged me to take part in the Labour Party leadership process. I did not believe that it was possible to mount a substantial enough challenge in the available time and circumstances of the aftermath of the recent general election. I hope the leadership selection process will result in a re-energised and stronger Labour Party."
Candidates for the leadership have until Thursday to announce their candidacy if the election is to be put to a vote of the party's 4,000 members, though it is highly unlikely that anyone will now come forward to challenge Mr Gilmore.
Mr Gilmore already has the declared support of significant party figures, including former leader Ruairí Quinn, Longford-Westmeath TD Willie Penrose and party whip Emmet Stagg.
Limerick East TD Jan O'Sullivan and Dublin West's Joan Burton are the two declared candidates for the deputy leadership, following the decision of Deputy Burton not to contest the leadership itself.
