Speculation is mounting that the Labour Party may support Green Party TD Mr Eamon Ryan's presidential election ambitions following President Mary McAleese's decision yesterday to seek another term of office.
Under the rules, Mr Ryan needs the signatures of 20 Oireachtas members, but hopes these can come from Independent TDs and senators and members of smaller parties have all but evaporated.
However, Labour could sign the papers, particularly since its National Executive Council, with considerable misgivings, is increasingly likely to decide not to run a Labour candidate in the election, scheduled for October 22nd.
Launching her own election campaign in Áras an Uachtaráin yesterday, President McAleese said she wanted another period in "the best job in Ireland, one of the most important jobs in Ireland".
Seeking cross-party support, the President said she had been "very, very encouraged" by the complimentary remarks frequently made about her by the leader of Fine Gael, Mr Enda Kenny.
Yesterday the Green Party's six-strong Parliamentary Party unanimously endorsed Mr Ryan's candidacy, though reservations still remain about the party's ability to fund a campaign.
The party's 40-strong National Council will make a final decision in Clonakilty in Co Cork on Saturday, but the party's deputy leader, Cllr Mary White, has expressed her doubts. Speaking to The Irish Times, she said: "I would be on the cautious wing of the party about entering the election. I would like to see us gearing up for the next general election.