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EAMON GILMORE HAS announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party, following his party’s disastrous performance in the local election.
Gilmore told reporters in Dublin this afternoon that he intends to stand down with immediate effect from 4 July. He said he made the decision last night, spoke with his staff this morning and told the General Secretary at around 10.30am.
The announcement follows news earlier today that Gilmore would face two no-confidence motions in the coming weeks, to be tabled by both the party’s central council and the parliamentary party.
It comes after Labour’s humiliating defeat in the local elections, with the party losing seats in councils all across the country while Sinn Féin, independents and more left-wing candidates gained ground.
Speaking today, Gilmore said:
I’ve had the honour and privilege of leading Labour for 7 years. I asked the party to take on the role of government in worst crisis ever. I did so because I believed that we had a responsibility. It was a course that carried a high political risk and has led to election results.
The party has seen support slip from 14 per cent in 2009’s elections to just over half that this time around and looks set to take just 60 seats in the locals.
He said Labour must now find a new course.
“We must hear, heed and act on the clear message we heard on Friday, “he said. “I believe that the work of renewing the party is best done under new leadership.”
I take responsibility for what happened on Friday. This party needs renewal. I think everyone has a sense of the scale of the job.
Gilmore said he still intends to seek re-election in Dún Laoghaire at the next general election and will remain as Tánaiste.
“I never considered withdrawing from government. That would have be an iresponsible thing to do. We got a message and we have to respond to that. We have to regroup, renew and rebuild.
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Now if Alan Hughes could go too then that would be great! Does nothing for the show.
@Seán Ó hAodha: agreed
@Seán Ó hAodha: Agreed. Sits there laughing at nothing.
@Seán Ó hAodha: u know the “saying that makes me sick”, well i actually dry wreched watchin his old show talkabout.
@Seán Ó hAodha: isnt he a weather presenter?
@Dave Barrett: whether he is a presenter or not is the real question!!!
@Seán Ó hAodha: Alan Hughes… worst then trush
@Seán Ó hAodha: Hughes is horrendous. How hes kept on is beyond me
The best presenter who was on Ireland AM was Aiden Cooney, a great news reader and presenter with a good sense of humour as well.
@Marty from Sligo: seriously???
@Marty from Sligo: I have to disagree
@Marty from Sligo: you must be joking was hopeless read the results wrong on many occasions and came across as winging it
@Marty from Sligo: he was like a fat mushroom sitting there with nothing interesting to say whatsoever
@Marty from Sligo: I’d say he’d be good for a late night sports show with Trevor Welch.
No loss found him to be unwilling to listen and a fixed point of view. Totally anti public sector and his view was the only view an interview would go when a balance would be needed .
Still won’t be watching anyway.
@Mark Mccormack:
Let me guess, you’re a teacher?
@Mark Mccormack: give his job to Simon Delaney.
Enjoy his wit and delivery
Underrated
He was very opinionated and had no time for anyone else’s views. Thank God he’s gone as he thought himself above everyone who didn’t agree with himself.
That will be the end of any half intelligent conversations on the show. Alan Hughes is great for a laugh but as for the rest of them, less said the better. Think I’ll have to switch back to radio
@Dan2078: have to agree, what’s left hasn’t got a full brain cell between them
Oh I missed it. Will they repeat it? Of course they will as that’s all virgin media do
He was a govt mouth piece who rarely gave anytime to guests who did,nt agree with govt policy. Showed his true colours when the water protests were at there height. Like rte never a balanced view on the major issues of the day. Will not be missed.
Good.. a new line up is needed for that chat show really…
Went to school with Mark. Enjoyed ‘Night Train’ on 2FM. Then his mid morning show on TodayFM followed by Ireland AM. Will be a change in the morning routine. Wishing Mark all the best in the future.
Wonder who’s next to get axed off that show!
@Sean Leonard: hopefully Karen . Leave Alan and all the chefs; at least that’ll give us a laugh
@Dan2078: yea it hilarious alright…..Alan hand me over that big sausage …… hahahahahaha did you here him looking for the big sausage hahahahahaha
@Dan2078: Karen has great legs
He was at his best on the radio years ago.
Alan Hughes – The exaggerated laugh of the Guy does me head in
@Angry_Man41:
Going by your name, I’d guess anyone laughing/having fun, isn’t your thing.
Top man n decent bloke…..crappy show but not his fault.
@Brian Murphy: yes professional presenter… Show is droning in to torture level… It’s so repetitive the only that changes is the news!
@Sean Leonard:
“It’s so repetitive”, so you keep watching? Which other morning tv show do you think is better to have on while one is going about one’s business of getting ready for the day ahead?
Did Cooney turn up for his farewell??
@Dan2078: probably too busy with his other 10 jobs – bore
Not a mention of Sinead who he anchored with for years!! Bad former me thinks. All the best Mark.
@Gina Clifford: he did mention her in his leaving speech at the end of the show.
I never looked at an episode…. I’ll live longer for it….
I’ll miss his dainty socks and his crossed leg posture
Mark was the brains of the show. Even then, the only part I could watch was the weather forecast and newspaper front page review. And only then with the sound muted.
Anton Savage to replace Cagney
@Breda Claffey: Simon Delaney
Great news!!! Alan next please. His attitude is horrible.
Ciara genuinely care about guests and gives honest opinion. Go lady!!
Who?
@Patrick Daly: Doctor Who
Dose
You will be miss Mark
Enjoyed him the odd time I watched. I think VM will transition this program to have a better vibe, now it still searches for audience. A bit of hard news reporting would suit me, I don’t “watch” radio.
@John Flood:
Do people really want “hard news” in the morning? I don’t think they do. “Light news” and a bit of a laugh is a much nicer way to start the day.
Weak for himself !GoodLuck Good Riddance
I
The worst show I’ve ever briefly tipped in and , mostly, out of! Why can’t it be called a very average cookery show for narcissistic, sycophants and be done with it!
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