The Executive Board of the Labour Party is meeting this afternoon to discuss its leadership race.

The meeting’s one item agenda will cover how, and when Joan Burton’s successor will be elected.

The board, which is made up of TDs and local representatives, will also decide when candidate nominations for the leader will open and close.

Last night, the party’s Deputy Leader Alan Kelly, officially announced his candidacy during a TV interview.

Other TDs including Sean Sherlock and Brendan Howlin, have also been touted as possibilities to put themselves forward for the leadership position.