The Minister for Communications, Mr Dermot Ahern, has indicated that Fianna Fáil will give "unadulterated support" to the re-election campaign of the President, Mrs McAleese, if she chooses to seek a second term.
With Mrs McAleese expected to declare early next month that she will seek another seven-year term, Mr Ahern said an election was likely because a number of rival candidates were emerging.
"I think it goes without saying that if Mary McAleese chooses to go again, she would be getting the unadulterated support of Fianna Fáil because she has been an excellent President," he said on Saturday View on RTÉ radio.
While Labour is now unlikely to contest such an election, Mrs McAleese may face a challenge from the former MEP Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon, who must have the support of four local councils to secure a nomination.
Ms Scallon will not declare until Mrs McAleese reveals her plans.
