Five candidates are to run for the chairmanship of the Green Party in what could turn out to be a close election.
When nominations closed yesterday, Dublin Mid-West TD Paul Gogarty, Cork South-Central Senator Dan Boyle, Dublin city councillor Bronwen Maher, Dr John Barry, the party's co-chairman in the North, and Philip Kearney, a Dublin-based founding member, were confirmed as candidates.
The position was vacated by John Gormley on his election as party leader. Ballots will be counted on Friday, October 19th. About two-thirds of the party's 1,974 members can vote.
Deputy Gormley has held the position of chairman since it was established in 2001.
The position involves dealing with internal structures, party development and representing the leadership.
Senator Boyle is the perceived frontrunner, but the large number of candidates and the counting system could affect the outcome. Highly regarded, he was a negotiator in the talks to enter Government. His shock defeat in the general election will assist his campaign as supporters aim to keep his profile high.
Mr Gogarty, a party member for 18 years, is a bright and ambitious TD who has canvassed widely and ought to poll strongly among younger members.
Cllr Maher, the party's Dublin North Central election candidate, has been a party member since 1989 and a councillor since 2004. She may garner support from female members, who have a relatively low profile.
Dr Barry, a lecturer at Queen's University Belfast, helped develop an all-Ireland party and was candidate in the North's last local elections.
Mr Kearney, who joined the party when it started in 1982, evaluated its election campaign. A family therapist, who advised the party's TDs on stress management, he considers himself a "backroom" person.
