Brendan Howlin has announced plans to step down as Labour leader.

The Wexford TD made the announcement at the party’s Parliamentary Party earlier.

Labour took a hammering in the general election, leaving it with six seats and a 4.4% share of the vote.

Howlin said the party has decided it won’t be a formal part of the next government, but is open to supporting it from the opposition benches on certain votes.

A leadership contest will now get underway. Only sitting TDs can be elected Labour leader.

They can nominate themselves but need a seconder from the parliamentary party. It then goes to a popular vote.

Alan Kelly, Ged Nash and Aodan O’Riordain are the favourites to contest for the Labour leadership.