Confirming the news to Tipp Fm earlier today The Junior Minister feels he has a lot to offer and that the party need to go in a new direction.
Speaking on Tipp Today the Portroe native stated that he will be putting his name forward in the coming days for the role of leader or deputy leader – but won't confirm which one until he meets with parliamentary party members and supporters over the next 24 hours.
The 38 year old has had a meteoric rise through the ranks of the party from Chair of Labour Youth to Senator to MEP before becoming a TD and being promoted to a Junior Ministry.
Nominations for the top job open today and Deputy leader Joan Burton is seen as the front runner with Brendan Howlin and Alex White also considered as contenders.
