Tipperary TD Alan Kelly has resigned as Labour leader.
Deputy Kelly succeeded Brendan Howlin becoming party leader in April 2020 following the general election, defeating Aodhán O Ríordáin in the race to succeed.
Alan says he intended to resign tomorrow however following the media leak it was moved to tonight.
He was advised by his parliamentary colleague on Tuesday that they had lost confidence in his leadership.
Deputy Kelly says this came as a surprise to him but admits there was frank discussions in recent weeks.
He says we didn’t get a bounce in the polls and it was difficult to get the Labour message out to the public during the pandemic.
Mr Kelly says the party has found it difficult to shake off its time in government between 2011 to 2016 but believes it’s time to move on.
An emotional Alan Kelly says being elected Labour Party leader was the best day of his life.
The Tipperary TD says he would have appreciated to have been allowed to lead the party into the next election.
Deputy Kelly says he will remain on as leader until a new leader is appointed.
Mr Kelly will support the new leader and the party.
He also thanked the people of Tipperary for their supprt and says he’ll continue to represent the people of the county.
Mr Kelly admits that’s he’s made his fair share of mistakes in politics and as leader.
He warned that politics needs to become more appealing as he says the profession was becoming an increasingly difficult one to be in.
Deputy Kelly says we need good people in politics and says he despises populist politics.
Finally he thanked his fantastic wife, and two incredible children for their support.
