Labour party TDs Duncan Smith and Aodhán Ó Ríordáin have ruled themselves out of the leadership race for the party in the wake of the resignation of Alan Kelly.
When it comes to leadership, any contender had to believe in themselves and that it was the right time. “It’s not the right time for me,” Mr Smith told RTÉ’s News at One. “I don’t believe I’m the best candidate. I won’t be putting myself forward.”
This afternoon Aodhán Ó Ríordáin also ruled himself out of the race. In a tweet, he said: "Like Duncan Smith I will not be a candidate for the leadership of the Labour Party at this time. Ivana Bacik has my full support to become the next leader of the Labour Party."
I didn’t vote for Alan but the behaviour of the PLP is unacceptable members are not consulted in the slightest and most of us are sick of it. So would you mind explaining what are you all up to @ivanabacik @DuncanSmithTD @seansherlocktd @AodhanORiordain @BrendanHowlin @geraldnash
— David Eaton (@irishpolitical) March 2, 2022
Members of the Parliamentary Labour Party on the plinth of Leinster House this evening looking as if butter would'nt melt in their mouths... or any other orifice. #Labour #AlanKelly
— Liam Cahill (@LiamCahill2013) March 2, 2022
I find the lack of communication from @Labour PLP to party members on Alan’s resignation incredibly disappointing.
— Lauren (@LaurMarieK91) March 2, 2022
When I saw @alankellylabour resignation live tonight I was totally surprised and was angry when it was clear it was the PP decision rather than https://t.co/4Khdlk0l51 seemed crazy to me then and still does. To me it is not just wrong timing but terrible politics @labour.
— Blair Horan (@blairvhoran) March 2, 2022
Since joining Labour as a teen, Alan has been there to support and encourage me. I will always be grateful for the support his always given me. Im more than disappointed w/ the PLPs decsion, and I think he deserved to contest the GE as Leader. Serious conversations are needed.
— Robert O'Donnell (@RobertOGinger) March 2, 2022
I am exceptionally proud of @alankellylabour and his leadership of the party. Over the last two years we have refocused on workers rights and rural issues, this needs to be continued. I am worried now more than ever for the future of our party.
— Ben Slimm ️ (@BenSlimm) March 2, 2022
As a committed Labour Party member, I'm more than a little annoyed that the membership base weren't informed of this sad departure ahead of seeing it on tv. Wishing @alankellylabour all the best. Confused, irritated, questioning a lot this evening about my place in the party.
— Amy GM (@amygmurphy) March 2, 2022
Will say I’m not impressed with how Alan Kelly’s resignation has gone down. News today is out of the blue for the entire membership.
— Liam van der Spek (@spekofthedevil) March 2, 2022
He wasn’t let run for leader in 2016. When he ran in 2020 members choose him. Now PLP decide to remove him without consulting @labour members.
The events of the past 48 hours in @labour has left a very sour taste in the mouths of many members, myself included. Alan Kelly was elected by the members of the party, not the PLP. In fact his personal electoral success is in stark contrast to the majority of PLP members
— Declan Walsh (@deckie) March 3, 2022
Mr Smith said he believed Ms Bacik was best placed to take on the role of party leader. He was her director of elections in the Dublin Bay South byelection and got to know her as a person and as a politician and “how she connects with people of all backgrounds”.
On Wednesday night Mr Kelly confirmed his decision to resign in a statement delivered outside Leinster House. He acknowledged that the party had not made the progress he would have liked in opinion polls under his leadership.
Mr Kelly said that the party’s TDs and Senators had come to him this week to say they were no longer confident in his leadership.
The Labour Party was in a fight for its survival, to build back public trust. The decision to approach Mr Kelly followed weeks of meetings, but the move was not orchestrated, Mr Smith said. The action was going to have ramifications as party members were not happy.
Several party sources said Ms Bacik is the likely next leader, with one saying she is the “only candidate”. Mr Kelly said that a new leader will take up the reins shortly, and that he will stay on in the interim.
