Alan Kelly has stepped down as the leader of the Labour Party.
In a statement on Wednesday evening outside Leinster House, Deputy Kelly said: "I had intended on doing this tomorrow. Tonight, I am resigning as leader of the Labour party. I was advised by my parliamentary colleagues that they had lost collective confidence in my leadership. This was a surprise to me, but I accepted the decision immediately.
"We had a number of frank discussions in recent weeks. I have to acknowledge that we haven't been able to move on from the opinion polls and I have deep regrets about that. We didn't get the bounce we had expected over the last two years.
"It is also a reality that it has been hard for us as a party very much associated with the 2011-2016 term, for those of us involved in that Government to move on. I think now it's time that we did.
"I don't remember not being in the Labour Party. I served in every position for the party. I was elected to the Seanad, the European Parliament, three times to the Dáil. I was a junior Minister, a senior Minister, a deputy Leader and then as senior Leader.
"Every election I've ever contested, I've been fortunate to have won. I would've appreciated the opportunity to lead us into the next election. But I respect that that will not be the case."
A tearful Mr Kelly continued: "Becoming leader of the Labour party was the best day of my life. I was humbled by the support I got. The parliamentary party have expressed their collective view. For that reason, I have decided to step down.
"While I am saddened at this decision, I must respect it. When a new leader is elected in a short few weeks, I guarantee I will do everything I can to support that leader and the party, as I have done all my life."
Deputy Kelly confirmed he would stay on as TD for Tipperary.
