Green Party seeks to join race for President

The Green Party said today it was seeking to join the presidential election race following discussions over the weekend.

A spokesman said the party would be setting about collecting 20 signatures from members of the Oireachtas for the nomination of their Dublin South TD, Mr Eamon Ryan. This decision is subject to the approval of the party's National Council, which meets this weekend.

He said they had finalised the decision following the withdrawal of the former UN assistant secretary general, Mr Denis Halliday, who confirmed last week that he would not be a candidate.

"We believe it would be healthy for the presidency race that an election takes place," the Green party spokesman said.

Even if MEP Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon is successfull in obtaining a nomination, he added, Mr Ryan would provide "real choice" in any election.

Mr Ryan was elected to the Dáil in May 2002 and is the party's spokesman on transport, enterprise, trade and employment, communications, marine and natural resources.

It emerged this morning that Ms Scallon's first real test is this evening when Mayo County Council considers whether or not to support the Derry woman. Candidates may seek backing from the Oireachtas or from local authorities.