Green Party TD Paul Gogarty today announced his intention to seek election as chairman of the party.
The position has been vacant since John Gormley was appointed Minister for the Environment in July.
Mr Gogarty, who was first elected TD for Dublin Mid-West in 2002, joins Senator Dan Boyle in the race to succeed Mr Gormley.
Mr Gogarty said he had a vision for the party and would be focusing on three keys areas if elected. These include encouraging community activism within party ranks, helping candidates ensure electoral success and maintaining the party's independent stance while in government.
"If elected as Cathaoirleach, I pledge to contribute positively and proactively where appropriate and to Chair all meetings of members decisively and impartially," he said.
Mr Boyle, who put his name forward for the post earlier this week, played a central role in negotiations that resulted in the formation of a coalition government with Fianna Fáil after the May election. He lost his seat in Cork South Central but was appointed to the Seanad by the Taoiseach last month.
The party's National Council met yesterday during which they discussed the chairmanship contest.
The final date for nominations from party members is October 5th, with a result expected by the end of the month.