Mr Noel Ahern TD, brother of the Taoiseach, is being considered by Fianna Fail as a candidate in Dublin for next year's elections to the European Parliament.
It has also emerged that Senator David Norris is to consider allowing his name to go forward in the elections, due to take place next June on the same day as the local government elections. He was urged to seek election on the last occasion but decided against it.
Fianna Fail is attempting to find a "strong Northside candidate" in an attempt to secure a second Euro seat, party sources said yesterday. Mr Noel Ahern's Dublin North West constituency was reduced to a three-seater in the latest boundary review and, ironically, a major part of his political heartland - with up to 4,000 of his first-preference votes - has been hived away to his brother's advantage in Dublin Central. The carve-up means that Fianna Fail would have great difficulty in retaining the two seats now held by Mr Ahern and his running mate, Mr Pat Carey.
"My name has been mentioned as a possible candidate for Europe. I will think seriously about it if and when I am asked," Mr Ahern said.
There is also speculation in political circles that the Independent TD, Mr Tony Gregory, will consider seeking election in Dublin to the European Parliament.
The existing Dublin MEPs are Ms Mary Banotti; Ms Bernie Malone - who has been nominated by Labour to seek re-election - Ms Patricia McKenna; and Mr Niall Andrews.
According to Fianna Fail sources, the Minister of State, Mr Noel Treacy, may be asked to become the party's second nominee in Connacht/Ulster to run alongside the outgoing MEP, Mr Pat "The Cope" Gallagher.