Joan Burton expected to be confirmed as new Labour leader later

Joan Burton is expected to be confirmed as the new Labour leader and Tánaiste-designate later today.

Over 80 per cent of the three-thousand eligible labour party members had cast their ballots by yesterday – with more last minute votes expected before the noon deadline.

Labour will also elect a new deputy leader this afternoon – junior minister Alan Kelly is the frontrunner, but Michael McCarthy could shade it with transfers from Ciara Conway and Seán Sherlock.

Carlow-Kilkenny Labour TD Ann Phelan has publicly declared her support for Minister Burton for the leadership and Alan Kelly for the Deputy leader role.