The Labour Party national executive council (NEC) meets in Dublin today to decide on a date for close of nominations for the leadership of the party, writes Miriam Donohoe, Political Staff.
The only declared candidate for the position to date, Dún Laoghaire TD Eamon Gilmore, is firm favourite to become the new leader.
Two others who are considering whether to enter the race, Wicklow TD Liz McManus and Dublin North East deputy Tommy Broughan, have postponed making a decision until after today's NEC meeting.
Ms McManus is expected to announce her decision today, while Mr Broughan is to make his position known on Monday.
He spent yesterday in consultation with party members, and a statement had been expected last night. However, he told The Irish Timesit was a "huge decision to make" and he still had some colleagues to talk to.
Mr Gilmore's leadership aspirations received a major boost yesterday when influential Longford-Westmeath TD Willie Penrose publicly declaring support for him.
He said Mr Gilmore had "the experience, vigour, commitment and passion to assume the baton of leader of the oldest political party in the State".
Mr Penrose said he shared Mr Gilmore's view that Labour should be relevant in all parts of our country, and in every strand of society, "while remaining true to our social democratic values of equality, justice and community".
Today's NEC meeting is expected to agree noon next Thursday, September 6th, as the deadline for close of nominations for the leadership and deputy leadership.
Ballot papers will be posted to members on Thursday, September 13th, and the voting will close at noon on Thursday, October 4th. The new leader and deputy leader will take office on Friday, October 5th.
This is only the second time in the party's history that the leader has been voted on by the members, and an uncontested leadership election has not arisen before under this system.
There are an estimated 4,000 members who have been fully paid up for the last two years who will be eligible to vote.
Two candidates have declared to date for the deputy leadership, Limerick East TD Jan O'Sullivan and Dublin West TD Joan Burton.
Ms O'Sullivan announced yesterday that Senator Alan Kelly of Tipperary North would be her campaign director.
Waterford TD Brian O'Shea is proposing Ms Burton for the deputy leadership, and she will be seconded by Dublin Mid-West TD Joanna Tuffy.