The Green Party said this evening that it was not forgone conclusion that TD Mr Eamon Ryan would get the nominations he needs to stand in the presidential election.
Michael D. Higgins
The Green Party chairman Mr John Gormley said while his party was grateful to Labour for their support he was aware it would prove difficult for some within that party to be seen as "major stakeholders" in another party's campaign.
"It is not a forgone conclusion that we will get the necessary 20 signatures from members of the Oireachtas," Mr Gormley said. "We have not received as many Independent nominations as expected, making us more dependent on Labour Party support.
"We are very grateful to the Labour Party for their promises of nominations and fully appreciate that it may prove difficult for some in Labour to be seen as major stakeholders in another party's campaign. Our candidate Eamon Ryan is very sensitive to these difficulties and will proceed carefully in his dealings with the Labour Party leadership," Mr Gormley said.
So far the Greens have secured the support of just three independent TDs and senators.
Yesterday Labour's National Executive Council (NEC) decided to vote by the narrowest of margins against contesting the presidential election. The party voted by 13-12 not to contest the election, despite Mr Michael D. Higgins's desire to run.
The Labour Party leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, indicated yesterday that individual party TDs would offer Oireachtas signatures to enable Mr Ryan gather the 20 signatures he needs under the rules.
This afternoon that was looking increasingly likely with Mr Higgins saying: "Mr Ryan needed a signature, but of course it depends on whether his party puts him into the field, but I certainly wouldn't be in favour of blocking him. If it meant provision of a signature I would certainly be inclined to that."
A number of other Labour TDs have stated, some albeit reluctantly that they will provide signatures if asked, by Mr Ryan, including Mr Brendan Howlin and Ms Jan O'Sullivan.
According to poll of Labour TDs carried out by RTÉ Radio One, up to 12 Labour TDs are considering supporting Mr Ryan. If these indications of support were followed by signatures, Mr Ryan would, on paper, have sufficient support. He is guaranteed support from the six Green TDs and three independent TDs.
Yesterday, Mr Rabbitte ruled out any financial support for Mr Ryan's campaign.
Mr Ryan's bid has to be formally approved by the party's governing national council which meets tomorrow in Clonakilty, Co Cork.