Senator David Norris today canvassed Independent TDs and Senators for their support as he considers re-entering the presidential race.
Mr Norris and presidential candidate Mary Davis held talks with Independents in Leinster House today.
Reports of Mr Norris' possible return to the presidential race came as members of Fianna Fáil's parliamentary party met to discuss their party's view of the presidency.
The lengthy meeting came after it emerged that party Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú is considering running for the Aras. Senator Ó Murchú was approached by a number of Oireachtas members from inside and outside the party to run as an Independent candidate.
It is understood Senator Ó Murchú addressed the parliamentary party in an attempt to seek support for his candidacy. No decision was taken and the parliamentary party will meet again next Tuesday to discuss the matter further.
Senator Norris's surprise move comes ahead of an expected appearance on RTÉ's Late Late Show tomorrow night where he will be asked about his presidential ambitions.
Dublin North-Central Independent Finian McGrath said the meetings with Sen Norris were "very positive and constructive".
Ms Davis was first in at 12.15pm and was followed by Mr Norris. There were nine TDs in attendance, including Thomas Pringle, John Halligan, Maureen O'Sullivan and Catherine Murphy. Senator Ronan Mullen was also present.
Each presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session but no commitments of support were given at that stage.
"David made a presentation and then there was a big discussion on the issues and the issues that happened," Mr McGrath said. "David was very gracious and very magnanimous even with people like myself that he disagreed with. But he asked people for their support because he is considering entering the race again."
Among the issues raised were the controversial letter Mr Norris wrote to an Israeli court seeking clemency for a former partner facing a charge of statutory rape which led to his withdrawal from the election last month.
Four Independent TDs who were backing Mr Norris - Mr McGrath, Ms Murphy, Mr Pringle and Mr Halligan - withdrew their support after the letter emerged. Mr McGrath and Mr Pringle said they were standing by their decision, while Mr Halligan said he would make his views known after consulting advisors.
Although Ms Davis has already been nominated, she sought the political support of the group.
"I would say there would be some individuals in the room that will support her," Mr McGrath said. He said some of the Independents could be faced with a dilemma if approached by an aspiring candidate who was just short of the required 20 signatures of Oireachtas members.
"They mightn't necessarily agree with somebody but they might sign it to ensure that there is an inclusive election," he said.
Asked what he would do if Mr Norris approached him to complete a nomination list, Mr McGrath said: "That's a dilemma I will have to discuss with my election team, my election workers. But some other candidates could emerge as well - you never know."
Sinn Féin’s Ard Chomhairle of the party is expected to meet this weekend where the leadership is to recommend fielding a candidate. Former Northern Ireland agriculture minister Michelle Gildernew has, along with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, been touted as a potential contender, but party president Gerry Adams said there had been no formal decision on who might stand.
Rumours that Tyrone GAA boss Mickey Harte will stand for the party have been dismissed.
Mr Adams and Mary Lou McDonald have both ruled themselves out of the race.
Meanwhile, Eurovision winner Dana is expected to meet with Independent TDs to size up support for another attempt at the Áras. Independents Mary Davis and Sean Gallagher officially became candidates on Monday after each secured the support of at least four councils.
They are on course to fight it out with frontrunner Labour’s Michael D Higgins and Fine Gael’s Gay Mitchell.
