Internal Labour Party problems may be exposed this week, when Dr Mary Upton, sister of the late Labour TD for the constituency, Mr Pat Upton, declares her candidacy for the Dublin South Central by-election in late October or early November.
The party leaders are also expected to meet Mr Eric Byrne, a former Democratic Left deputy for the constituency this week, to discuss a document to the leadership by his supporters, outlining the case for his selection as the party's candidate.
Dr Upton's supporters have a numerical advantage in the constituency, but Mr Byrne last night told The Irish Times: "If a convention is required, I will be a candidate."