Labour chairman Willie Penrose has praised the new leader of the party.

Brendan Howlin was elected unopposed yesterday, after Alan Kelly failed to secure the necessary support to contest the leadership.

The Wexford TD replaces Joan Burton who announced she was stepping down after the general election.

The election saw the party drop to just seven seats.

Mr Howlin has been a TD since 1987 and has twice contested the leadership of the party.

However he lost out to Ruairi Quinn and Pat Rabbitte in the past.

Deputy Penrose believes Mr Howlin with revive Labour.