Joan Burton has resigned as leader of the Labour party - saying that she'll go as soon as her successor is appointed.
The Dublin West TD is refusing to say whether there should be a leadership contest or a so-called coronation of an agreed successor.
She says she will "absolutely" contest the next general election in Dublin West.
Meanwhile, the party's deputy leader Alan Kelly and former minister of state Sean Sherlock are thought to be the main contenders for the position.
Former Labour party leader and Minister Pat Rabbitte says he would be attempting to persuade Brendan Howlin to take over as leader - if he were still in the parliamentary party.
Mr Rabbitte says it would have been better if the party resolved the leadership issue in the weeks since the election;
Meanwhile, The Taoiseach has paid tribute to the former Labour party leader following her resignation.
In a statement, Enda Kenny thanked Joan Burton for her work in government over the past five years, both as Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection.
Mr. Kenny said during this time, she and her ministerial colleagues in the Labour Party played a major role in rescuing the Irish economy.
