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Three Labour TDs have said they are interested in being the deputy leader of the party

Niall O'Connor

THREE Labour TDs have said they are interested in being the deputy leader of the party. Mr McCarthy said the contest is not about Leinster House or the parliamentary party, but about membership of the party and reinvigorating and reconnecting with voters.

Minister of State for Transport Alan Kelly, Environment Committee chairman Michael McCarthy and Minister of State for Research and Innovation Seán Sherlock have all thrown their hats into the ring today.

Mr Kelly indicated that he will be seeking changes to the Programme for Government with a focus on new taxation measures.

Mr Kelly heaped praise on Social Protection Minister Joan Burton, who has already declared as a candidate for the leadership.

But Mr Kelly refused to back Ms Burton, who is expected to be challenged by junior Health Minister Alex White.

He also said Eamon Gilmore will be remembered as a politician who made "a huge contribution towards the recovery of this country."

Mr Kelly said there is there is a need for Labour to undergo a renewal process and that this requires new people.

He was joined outside the Dail by TDs Willie Penrose, Ann Phelan, Ged Nash, Robert Dowds and senators John Kelly and John Whelan.

He also said Labour needs to refocus its efforts in Government and both parties need to set new targets.

Mr McCarthy told RTÉ's News at One that Ireland is no longer in a Troika arrangement and it is important to put money back in people's pockets.

And Mr Sherlock said he wanted to part of the process of renewal and help rebuild the party.

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