Ireland's Eamon Gilmore resigns as deputy prime minister

Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Eamon Gilmore Saturday submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Enda Kenny about two month after announcing his resignation as Labour Party leader following his party's huge losses at the local and European elections.

Gilmore, who was also Ireland's foreign affairs and trade minister, thanked the prime minister for his courtesy and cooperation saying that it had been a privilege and an honour to work with him during a very difficult time in the country's history, Xinhua reported.

Meanwhile, Joan Burton, who is minister for social protection, was Saturday elected as leader of the Labour Party.

Prime Minister Kenny confirmed that he has nominated her as deputy prime minister.

In late May, Gilmore had announced his resignation as Labor Party leader.

He said his resignation as Labour Party leader will take effect after the election of his successor. But Gilmore said he plans to remain in public office, and considers contesting the next general election in 2016.

He added the decision on remaining as deputy prime minister and a cabinet minister was a matter to be discussed between his successor and Kenny.

Gilmore led the Labour Party for seven years.

The Labour Party formed a coalition government with Fine Gael (the United Ireland Party) after the 2011 general election.