A motion in favour of the nomination of Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon the former MEP as a presidential candidate could come before a meeting of Mayo County Council tomorrow.
The Fine Gael whip, Mr Paddy McGuinness, told RTÉ News he intended to ask his party colleagues to put a motion supporting Ms Scallon's nomination before the council meeting in the interests of democracy.
Ms Scallon needs to secure nominations from four county councils in order to contest the election which, if it takes place, is scheduled for October 22nd.
The deadline for nominations is October 1st. A spokesperson for Ms Scallon would neither confirm or deny that she is seeking the requisite number of nominations.
The President, Mrs McAleese, is expected to nominate herself for a second seven-year term in Áras an Uachtaráin early next week, probably on Tuesday.
Labour's parliamentary party will discuss the issue at a two-day meeting in Co Wexford next Tuesday and Wednesday, before the national executive makes a final decision on Thursday.
The only other possible contender, the former UN assistant secretary general, Mr Denis Halliday, confirmed this week that he would not be a candidate.