Peter Robinson is favourite to be named leader-elect of the Democratic Unionist Party on Monday when the party's 36 Stormont Assembly members meet to vote on who will replace the Reverend Ian Paisley.
No candidates have declared for the post but it is virtually certain that the East Belfast MP will seek the top post while the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Industry, Nigel Dodds, will stand for deputy leader.
“The DUP Assembly Group will meet on the morning of Monday, April 14th to elect a new leader and deputy leader," a party spokesman said.
“On Thursday April 17th... the DUP’s Executive will meet to consider ratification of the Assembly group’s decision.”
Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader- elect Brian Cowen will visit Stormont on Monday for a meeting with Mr Robinson on one of his first official duties since he was appointed this week.
Mr Robinson and Mr Dodds, if elected deputy, will hold designate positions until Dr Paisley resigns.
Dr Paisley is to resign as First Minister and DUP leader after the US-Northern Ireland investment conference from May 7th to 9th.