Brendan Howlin announces his intention to stand down as leader of The Labour Party
Speaking to his colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party this afternoon (12th February), Brendan Howlin informed them of his intention to stand down as leader once the process to elect a successor has been completed.
Deputy Howlin has asked the Labour Party General Secretary to begin making the arrangements for the nomination process and the membership election.
Labour’s Executive Board will meet on Saturday 15th February to approve the arrangements for the election of a new leader.
Speaking after the meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party, Brendan Howlin said:
“It has been an honour to lead the Labour Party but now is the right time to pass on the baton to a new generation. It has been undoubtedly a difficult election for us but I believe we have succeeded in sowing the seeds for future growth.
“I would like to thank all of my colleagues for their support over the last four years, and to thank the party’s members and staff who have put in a huge effort in the recent election as they do between elections.
“I will continue to represent the people of my beloved Wexford to the best of my ability and I thank them wholeheartedly for their continued support.
“I will, of course, offer my total support to my successor when they are elected.”
ENDS
Notes
First elected to Dáil Éireann in 1987 in the constituency of Wexford, Brendan Howlin has been returned to the Dáil in eight election since then. He also served as a Senator between 1983 and 1987. During his career he has served as:
- Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform (2011 – 2016)
- Leas-Cheann Comhairle (2007 – 2011)
- Deputy Leader of The Labour Party (1997 – 2002)
- Minister for the Environment (1994 – 2002)
- Minister for Health (1993 – 1994)