Update 08.50 – Statement issued by Deputy McManus confirming the news.

Wicklow.net are running a story tonight that Liz McManus is set to announce her retirement from politics at the next general election. This would be a major blow to the Labour Party’s election plans if as reported Deputy McManus announces her intention to resign tomorrow.

In other Wicklow Labour related news Nicky Kelly has denied reports that he was about to join Sinn Féin. This would make a lot of sense really as more people are leaving Sinn Féin these days than joining.

Fine Gael’s Simon Harris must be slightly excited this evening?