The director of the One in Four group, Colm O'Gorman, had spoken to both Fine Gael and Labour about the prospect of running for the Dáil with them before agreeing to join the Progressive Democrats, it emerged yesterday.
Tánaiste and PD leader Mary Harney yesterday described Mr O'Gorman as "quite exceptional" when she confirmed he was to seek a nomination to run for the party in Wexford.
Mr O'Gorman, the State's highest profile campaigner on the issue of clerical sex abuse, is expected to be a formidable candidate but he is seeking to run in a particularly competitive constituency.
The Labour Party confirmed yesterday that Mr O'Gorman had approached it with a view to running as a general election candidate in the Wexford constituency, along with sitting TD Brendan Howlin. Discussions had taken place with Labour at a senior level "over the last couple of months", and the party was "very happy" for him to run, a spokesman said.
He said they were surprised at the turn of events. "We can only assume that this has happened for no other reason than that he believes the PDs better reflect his own political values."
At a press conference yesterday announcing his intention to seek a nomination, Mr O'Gorman said that what had attracted him to the PDs was their "deep commitment to seeking change and reform, to moving Ireland forward in a positive and progressive way". They had "passion for reform, energy for change and a deep commitment to doing what is right".
He also admired "the Progressive Democrats' approach to guaranteeing economic success, not just for its own sake.
"That is something I am personally committed to."
He said he had spoken to a number of people in politics in recent months after deciding he was interested in entering politics. "I consulted very broadly; I have a huge respect for a lot of people in politics."
He said he would respect the discussions he had had with others by keeping them confidential, but it was open to them to reveal that they had spoken to him if they wanted to.
"I am no trophy candidate. My decision to enter politics is based on a view of what needs to be done. I recognise that politics is often seen as a game and that's fair enough. But my decision to enter politics is based on conviction."
Ms Harney said Mr O'Gorman was "a man of great heart, intelligence and character. He has won the admiration of people he has championed and the respect of those he has challenged."
She said she was currently talking to other potential candidates. "I am optimistic that we will have high-profile candidates in different constituencies." The PDs were a young party with "many greenfield sites" in terms of constituencies where they had no high-profile candidate.
Mr O'Gorman said he would not be resigning his position as director of One in Four, but the decision was not only his, and he was answerable to the board and trustees of the organisation.
"At some point, if I am successful, then that will change."