Political parties are bracing themselves for a formidable election battle for the Presidency in the wake of Mr John Hume's declaration that he will not be a candidate. His decision paves the way for an election on October 30th, and has sparked off an immediate search among the main political parties for a candidate who might succeed the President, Mrs Robinson.
With the closing date for nominations - September 30th - just three weeks away, Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour confirmed that they will all nominate their respective candidates next week. Intensive lobbying is already in progress in the two larger parties.
Mr Hume's announcement yesterday that he had decided not to seek a nomination poses particular difficulties for Fianna Fail. The former Taoiseach, Mr Albert Reynolds, is understood to be now in a strong position to win the nomination in the absence of any other high-profile candidate.
However, there was speculation last night in Leinster House that, on the strength of a recent poll conducted by Fianna Fail, the Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms O'Rourke, may be asked by the leadership to consider allowing her name to go forward.
Sources close to Ms O'Rourke, however, insisted that the Minister would not be seeking a nomination. She was "immersed in her work" the sources said.
In the light of Mr Hume's announcement, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Michael O'Kennedy, confirmed that he intends to pursue the Fianna Fail nomination. He was already "very encouraged by the response and support" he had received from party colleagues and was confident of receiving their endorsement for his nomination, he said.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, has asked his colleagues within the parliamentary party "or outside" to declare their intentions to run by Saturday. Party sources ail indicated that the former European Commissioner, Mr Ray McSharry, may be approached to again consider seeking a nomination.
The Minister for Defence, Mr Andrews, may yet decide to declare in spite of misgivings within the party that Fianna Fail would find it extremely difficult to retain his seat in Dun Laoghaire if he were successful.
Citing his duty to stay with his colleagues in the SDLP during this "very crucial stage" of the peace process, Mr Hume said he could think of no greater personal honour than to become President of Ireland "as an agreed candidate".
While he had been given many good reasons why he should accept, there was also a strong justification for not taking this "great honour" at this time.
Mr Ahern said he fully respected the SDLP leader's decision, acknowledging that had he entered the race "it would have changed things for a lot of parties - to what extent nobody will ever know".
Expressing disappointment at Mr Hume's decision, the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, said his immense experience and political skill would prove invaluable in the forthcoming talks on the North's future. Her party will discuss the Presidency at its parliamentary party meeting tomorrow.
The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, said Mr Hume's decision was "perfectly understandable" given the onerous demands which continue to be placed on him and the SDLP with the start of allparty talks next week.
Meanwhile, sources in Fine Gael predicted a close finish in the vote between the Dublin MEP, Ms Mary Banotti, and the former Minister of State, Ms Avril Doyle. They suggested that Ms Doyle will "shade it" when the parliamentary party meets tomorrow week to choose which of the two politicians should represent the party.
While the parliamentary Labour Party meets today to consider the issue, a decision will not be made until next week. The former Minister, Mr Michael D. Higgins, remains the only putative candidate from within Labour ranks at this time but it is understood that approaches are being made to other possible contenders.
The Labour leader, Mr Spring, said the obligation on the Labour Party was to select a candidate who had wide appeal and could win the election while providing the kind of leadership and dignity demonstrated by Mrs Robinson. However, he acknowledged that, at 12 per cent in the opinion polls, the Labour party could not win the election on its own.
"We hope to have a candidate in the field. . .Time is of the essence," he said.