Former Minister Alan Kelly has said he believes the new Labour leader- will be chosen in line with the best interests of the party.

Nominations for Joan Burton’s successor opened yesterday, and will close at noon on Friday.

So far, Alan Kelly is the only one of the seven Labour TD’s who has publicly declared his intention to run for the leadership position.

But former ministers Brendan Howlin and Jan O’Sullivan, said they are both still considering whether or not to put themselves forward.

Deputy Kelly, has said he thinks the next leader should be chosen, according to who can best rebuild the party: “Everything that is put forward by my colleagues I’ll consider.

“I believe that everyone else in the parliamentary party will consider as well.

“I also believe that everyone in the parliamentary party will consider what I say too.

“We are a membership driven organisation, we are the most democratic party in the country and I believe that will certainly be at the fore of everyone’s minds.

“We are all friends by the way so it is not like a normal contest in that sense. But everyone is driven to ensure that the outcome is the best for the Labour party in the years to come.”