The Fianna Fáil parliamentary party has agreed that its 33 TDs and Senators should not nominate candidates for the presidential election.
The motion was put forward by leader Micheál Martin and his deputy, Eamon Ó Cuív, despite the two previously clashing over the party’s stance.
The decision will be a blow to both Dana Rosemary Scallon and Senator David Norris, who had been looking to Fianna Fáil for support.
Speaking after today’s parliamentary party meeting, party whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl said the following motion had been adopted by "popular consensus":
“[That the Fianna Fáil PP] Endorses the decision of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party on 31st August 2011 not to contest the 2011 presidential election and further decides not to nominate or endorse a candidate for the 2011 presidential election.”
Mr Ó Fearghaíl later described the decision as a "firm and final conclusion" and said it was one he believed the public would agree with.
Earlier, Fianna Fáil Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú said he was withdrawing his name as a prospective candidate for the presidency after meeting with party leader Micheál Martin.
Mr Ó Murchú's bid to get a nomination had prompted a bitter debate, deepening divisions in the parliamentary party.
In a statement today, he said that following meetings with party leader Micheál Martin and speculation in the media about his leadership, he did "not wish to prolong uncertainty within Fianna Fáil".
"I will not, therefore, continue to seek nominations from individual Fianna Fáil Oireachtas members."
Mr Ó Murchú said that in the absence of such nominations, he could not achieve the 20 nominations required to get his name on the ballot paper in October. "I am accordingly withdrawing my name as a prospective candidate for the office of Uachtarán na hÉireann – an office which deserves our respect and loyalty."
He said he had initially decided to seek a nomination for the office "with a view to providing a different and more varied choice to voters".
He said he had been on target to securing from Fianna Fáil and Independent Oireachtas members the required 20 nominations.
"Last week, in requesting Fianna Fáil, which will not have its own candidate, to allow a free vote to facilitate my entry into the presidential election, I suggested a moratorium of 24 hours, prior to a decision being taken, to allow for a consensus to emerge through consultation. This request could not be accommodated," Mr Ó Murchú said.
He thanked the Oireachtas members – Independents and in Fianna Fáil – who had offered their support.
"The positive response which I received over the last few days from a wide spectrum of Irish citizens has been overwhelming. To all of those I wish to express my appreciation."
Socialist Party TDs Clare Daly and Joe Higgins today signed Mr Norris's presidential nomination papers.
In a statement, the party said it stood for the abolition of the presidency "which we believe is an unnecessary elitist institution with undemocratic restrictions in terms of who may stand for the office".
However, the statement added: "While the institution exists we are prepared to facilitate the candidature of those who we feel are broadly progressive and stand outside political establishment and who clearly have support in wider society".
Mr Norris also received a boost when Independent TD Catherine Murphy said she would sign his nomination papers. But it is believed he still falls short of the required 20 signatures without Fianna Fáil backing.
The Kildare North TD had supported Mr Norris until it was revealed he had sent a letter seeking clemency for his ex-partner who had been convicted of statutory rape.
After declaring he wanted to re-enter the race, Ms Murphy stood firm on her decision not to support him. But, changing her mind, she said the addition of Sinn Feín's Martin McGuinness to the race was a game-changer.
“If the citizens of this republic are to have the opportunity to adjudicate over his suitability for the role of president, they should equally have the opportunity to judge Norris at the ballot box.
“My signing Senator Norris’s nomination paper is all about ensuring that the people get to have their say on the candidates in the field, no more and no less.”