WEXFORD TD Brendan Howlin has been confirmed as the new leader of the Labour Party after he was unopposed in the race for the leadership.

Deputy Howlin was nominated by party colleague Jan O’Sullivan. Alan Kelly had also sought nomination but failed to receive backing from any of the party’s government TDs.

In his first speech as leader of the party, Deputy Howlin said he had learned his politics from two men – former Labour Party leader Brendan Corish and his own, late father John.

He was upbeat, remarking: “I am confident about this party’s future. Because we have values that are immutable, They’re not going away any time soon. They have endured 100 years and will endure another 100. And they are needed today more than ever.”

He defended the actions of his party over the course of its time in the previous government saying: “Who else would have delivered two rises in the minimum wage against the backdrop of the worst recession in our history? Or a low pay commission? Or legislation to recognise the importance of collective bargaining? Or new schools nationwide?”

He added that his was a party that would together in leadership.

“I want to thank my colleagues and my party for the trust they are placing in me today. It is a big challenge. I am up for it. I have sent out my stall. Mine will be a shared leadership. We are 12 parliamentarians, but we are hungry and determined. We have 50 councillors and thousands of supporters. I will devote all my energy to not letting them, or Brendan Corish, or my late father, down.”