Pat Rabbitte resigns as Labour Party leader

[David Cochrane]

Pat Rabbitte is to announce his resignation as leader of the Labour Party later today.

13.26 - Newstalk crediting Politics.ie with the breaking news - they have spoken to Pat Rabbitte - who has refused to confirm or deny he is standing down - there will be a press conference at 3.30 today, Newstalk believe he will stand down, but are slapping a 'health warning' on their news, as it's not been confirmed. But if the party leader refuses to confirm he's staying on....

13.40 - RTE, Irish Times and others now confirming he will resign at 3.30pm

15.35 - Pat Rabbitte has announced his resignation as Labour Party leader - Politics.ie has Pat Rabbitte's statement in full here.

[Gombeen]

First with all the hottest news!!!

[tumeltyni]

Any word on who might take his place?

Can't pretend I'm sorry, I'm not Pat Rabitte's biggest fan.

[White Horse]

Very sorry to hear that. I thought he performed very well in the last general election campaign and showed real principals in the aftermath.

[CookieMonster]

Wow, I'm a bit shocked by that.

What reasons could he have and who could be his possible replacements?

[FFKev]

But why?

[KingKane]

A rerun of the John Major in June 22nd 1995 strategy I wonder?

[DR Runts]

Who'll replace him more importantly?

[Catalpa]

He's the guy who leads the Labour Party right?

Funny - I don't feel anything.

Does it make a difference anyway?

Congrats on landing another 1st though!

[David Cochrane]

An official announcement will be made this afternoon from what I've heard. This is a major exclusive, many Labour people will be finding out from P.ie first.