Senior Labour sources expect four deputies to enter the race for the party leadership, but the most likely contenders kept their intentions to themselves yesterday.
The deputy leader, Mr Brendan Howlin, and three TDs, Mr Pat Rabbitte, Mr Eamon Gilmore and possibly Ms Róisín Shortall, are seen as the most likely candidates to replace Mr Ruairí Quinn, who announced his intention to resign. However, the first three said yesterday they were still considering their options. Ms Shortall was on holiday and could not be contacted.
It is not clear either who will enter the contest for the deputy leadership, which will be held at the same time. Ms Joan Burton, Mr Willie Penrose and Ms Jan O'Sullivan are those mentioned as possible contenders. It is also possible that one or more deputies would contest both positions. Mr Michael D. Higgins and Ms Liz McManus have not been ruled out for either position.
Despite soundings taken by deputies and senators among the 3,600 members this week, no clear front-runner has emerged. This is the first time any party will elect a leader through a ballot of all paid-up members, making the outcome difficult to predict.
Mr Howlin has a broad following and is seen by some as having the edge. But party sources believe that members are undecided about how to proceed after the disappointing election result in May, and they could be won over by a strong, persuasive campaign.
All the main possible contenders have held discussions with each other over the past 10 days, sharing information on the soundings taken around the State. An intensive four- to five-week campaign is expected.