Former Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte has said he would be attempting to persuade Brendan Howlin to take over as leader, if he were still in the parliamentary party.

Labour TD’s and Senators will meet this afternoon where it is expected the former Tánaiste and party leader Joan Burton will step down.

The deputy leader Alan Kelly and Sean Sherlock look set to put their names forward for the role, however it is not clear if Brendan Howlin will be a challenger.

Pat Rabbitte has said he does not think there is any doubt about Alan Kelly being prepared to take the job.

However, when asked if he had a favourite Pat Rabbitte gave this response.

“To be honest, if I were still in the parliamentary party I would be attempting to persuade Brendan Howlin,” said Rabbitte.

“I think it is a question of transition to a new Dáil parliamentary party where some of the young people who lost their seats will be back in the Dáil in the future and the future tends to look after itself.”