Brendan Howlin has been named as the new leader of the Labour party.

The Wexford TD was the only candidate nominated at the close of nominations today - as Alan Kelly failed to get the support he needed.

Howlin's nomination paper was ultimately signed by each of the other five TDs, excluding Kelly, who did not attend a meeting of the parliamentary Labour Party this morning.

Kelly is reported to be considering his position within the party this lunchtime.

His new leader said he believed Kelly had a role to play within the party, and outlined plans to involve all seven TDs and all five Senators in the party's leadership.

Other members all said they understood Kelly's disappointment at failing to get a nomination, but encouraged him to remain close to the party fold.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly reports: