Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has emerged as early front-runner in the leadership battle for the Progressive Democrats after two of the party's TD's backed him today in the wake of Mary Harney's surprise resignation.
Tim O'Malley
Galway West TD Noel Grealish, junior minister and Limerick East TD Tim O'Malley, and also former PD minister Bobby Molloy, all spoke out in Mr McDowell's favour.
Mr McDowell is now placed as strong favourite to win after his colleague Liz O'Donnell emerged as early favourite with bookmakers yesterday.
Minister of State at the Department of Health Tim O'Malley admitted Mr McDowell would not be a popular choice everywhere but insisted he was the strongest candidate.
"I know that there are some people who actually hate him and loathe him. Like Michael McDowell or loathe him, one cannot ignore him," he said.
If the leadership contest goes to a vote, Mr McDowell would most likely be up against Dublin South TD Liz O'Donnell and Laois-Offaly TD Tom Parlon, who strongly hinted that he wanted the job.
Mr O'Malley said Mr McDowell would be a courageous leader for the party and the country.
"Liz O'Donnell would make an excellent choice as leader of the Progressive Democrats but it is my view, on balance, right across the country Michael McDowell would be a stronger leader and a more courageous leader for the party and for the country," he added.
Noel Grealish, Galway West TD, added his support.
"I am coming out supporting Michael McDowell. I'm aware that my colleague minister, Tim O'Malley, has come out also in support of Michael McDowell. I welcome that. As I said, I think Michael is the man for the job," Mr Grealish said.
Noel Grealish
"Hopefully there will be not be a leadership contest and hopefully by the end of next week we will have a new leader in place."
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Tom Parlon said there would be be "no ego trips" within the Progressive Democrats over who should take over.
Asked if he was thinking about the job personally he said: "Of course I am. Nobody goes into politics with a view to saying this is it. Five years ago I wasn't in politics at all, and it's worked out very lucky for me.
"Mary Harney inspired me to go into politics and I have enjoyed it very much. I will say that a number of people have contacted me, a large number of people since this has come up and encouraged me to run," Mr Parlon said.
Former Galway TD Bobby Molloy also backed the Justice Minister, claiming he would be a natural successor.
Bookmakers have installed Mr McDowell as odds-on favourite at 1-20, with Ms O'Donnell second in the betting at 15-2 and Mr Parlon given only an outsider's chance at 20-1.
Others in the parliamentary party, Longford-Westmeath TD Mae Sexton and Dún Laoghaire TD Fiona O'Malley, have yet to declare where their allegiance lies.
The closing date for nominations for an election to the leadership of the Progressive Democrats is noon on Monday.
The process of selecting a new leader involves votes by three electoral colleges: the parliamentary party made up of 13 people which accounts for 40% of the vote; local councillors, national executive and trustees making up 42 people whose votes comprise 30% of the final ballot; and general party members which officially stands at 3,000 and also accounts for 30% of the vote.
The decision by the Tánaiste could force a mini Cabinet reshuffle if Mr McDowell does not succeed her at the helm because she insisted that her successor must be a senior minister in government.
Mary Harney at a press conference in the Merrion Hotel yesterday
"I think it would be almost impossible for our parliamentary party leader to remain outside the Government," she said.
However, she also added that she was happy to continue in her Health and Children portfolio for the lifetime of the coalition if the Taoiseach agreed.
Opposition TDs have claimed Ms Harney's decision has destabilised the Government, and some urged Mr Ahern to call an immediate general election ahead of the expected date in mid-2007.
Last night, Mr Ahern warned that he would expect to get a clear commitment from the new PD leader that the party would complete the agreed programme for government until the next general election.
Nominations for the leadership election close on Monday at noon, and votes will then be cast by the TDs and senators, councillors and the party's national executive.
It is expected that a new leader will be elected before the Dáil returns from its summer recess on September 27th.
Ms Harney (53) became involved in a public power struggle with Mr McDowell in June following a heated parliamentary party meeting on the leadership issue.
Mr McDowell has cancelled a week-long official trip he was due take to the United States tomorrow.
Ms Harney was the first female leader of an Irish political party and is the the longest-serving woman in the Oireachtas.
Additional reporting: PA