Rabbitte quits as Labour leader

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6960914.stm

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Pat Rabbitte has resigned as Irish Labour Party leader after five years.

Mr Rabbitte said its performance in June's general election fell short of expectations, winning 20 Dail seats.

The party had joined forces with Fine Gael in a failed attempt to prevent Fianna Fail's Bertie Ahern from becoming taoiseach for a third time.

"In the event, Labour won the same number of seats as in 2002 and failed to replace the existing government - as leader I take responsibility for that."

Mr Rabbitte said his six-year leadership was due to run out next year but he was stepping down now as he did not intend to seek another term.

"The beginning of the lifetime of a new Dail is the opportune time to elect a new leader and allow him or her find their feet before local and European elections," he said.