Nominations for the leadership and deputy leadership of the Green Party opened today.
Acting leader Trevor Sargent stepped down from the position after the Green's last week agreed to enter a Fianna Fail-led coalition.
Before the election, Mr Sargent had made a public commitment not to lead the party into government with Fianna Fail.
Under party rules, when the leader steps down, the deputy leader's position also becomes available. This means Mary White, who was elected to the Dail for the first time in General Election, may be forced to enter a contest if she wishes to retain the position.
Newly appointed Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan is favourite to win the leadership of the party, though the Grens' other Cabinet member, Minister for the Environment John Gormley would also be in with a chance.
The closing date for receipt of nominations to Green Party head office is noon on Friday 6th July.
"For a nomination to be valid, it must be accompanied by the names and addresses of at least 50 members of the party with voting rights who support the nomination," according to a Green Party statement.