Profile of Pat Rabbitte
Proposed by: Mr Jack Wall TD and seconded by Ms Kathleen Lynch TD.
Born: 1949.
Marital status: Married with three children.
Career to date: The former Democratic Left TD was a "super" junior Minister in the rainbow Government and like his leadership contest rival, Mr Eamon Gilmore, he was first elected to the Dáil in 1989 as a Workers Party TD
He cut his political teeth as a former president of University College Galway Students Union and the Union of Students in Ireland. Mr Rabbitte was a high profile member of the Public Accounts DIRT Committee.
Strengths: Mr Rabbitte is by far the best media performer of the four candidates and speaks unscripted in the Dáil. He has brought his talents to many Dáil committees, and shone during the DIRT inquiry.
He has a witty, acerbic turn of phrase, which makes him a natural attraction for the media. He is always good for a soundbite.
It is known that Mr Rabbitte has the strong support of Mr Willie Penrose TD who can bring a large voting bloc with him.
Weaknesses: It is not clear yet where Mr Rabbitte is going to take the party if elected. He is seen to be sometimes arrogant, and is intolerant of criticism. He is prone to making outlandish statements and to hyperbole, which while colourful can also be wearing.
He was the politician who famously declared to a stunned Dáil that information was to be revealed that would "rock the foundations of the State".
Bookies Odds: 5/6