The next leader of the Progressive Democrats, to succeed Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney, will not have to be a TD or councillor, the party's national executive has decided. Mark Hennessy,Political Correspondent, reports.
Under the existing rules of the party, which is still bruised after a disastrous election, candidates for the leadership have to be either TDs or senators.
However, Ms Harney has categorically ruled out continuing on as leader, despite the wishes of many within the party, while a number of senators have also grown cold on the idea of running.
On RTÉ Radio's News At One programme yesterday, Ms Harney said: "I have been at the head of the party with Des O'Malley since it was formed. It is not possible for me to go back and lead the party again.
"My sole focus, my political focus for the next number of years will be on reforming the health system and I want to see that through and I cannot do that and also lead the Progressive Democrats at this juncture."
An expert committee led by former senator John Dardis recommended that the election race should be widened beyond TDs and Senators to include councillors. However, the party national executive, mindful of the decision of Senators Ciarán Cannon and Fiona O'Malley not to seek the job, has now decided to widen the pool even further.
Ms Harney urged the founder of Century Homes, businessman Gerry McCaughey, who ran for the party in the 2002 general election in Cavan-Monaghan, to contest the election at a meeting before Christmas, but he declined.
Any member of the party will now be able to go forward, regardless of whether they hold any elected office - though the victor's duties will be strictly organisational.
During a pre-Christmas meeting with the executive, Ms Harney confirmed that she would serve as the party's Dáil leader, while Mr Cannon is to take charge of policy development.
Ms Harney's successor is likely to fill the currently vacant position of party president, and then be put in charge of preparing the party for the 2009 local and European elections.
With pressure mounting within the party for the issue to resolved, final decisions will have to be taken by the party's national executive at its next meeting at the end of January,
An election can be held within 21 days of being called.