Labour’s parliamentary party should avoid a divisive leadership contest, according to former TD and long-time activist Joe Costello.

He says the 12 Labour TD’s and Senators should come up with an agreed candidate who could then take over as leader on Friday.

So far, only Alan Kelly has put his name forward, as his colleagues Brendan Howlin and Jan O’Sullivan consider their positions.

It should be clear by midweek if there will be a contest for the leadership, but Joe Costello thinks a competition would be bad for the party.

He said: “The Dáil members are so small, it would be better (not to have a contest) I believe, I don’t think it makes much sense to have a divisive contest at this point and it would be great if the seven members could come up with an agreed candidate.

“That person then could go about meeting the members and coiuncillors and touring the country and doing the ‘chicken and chip circuit’ which would be necessary for a new leader.”