Red faces as Labour reject presidential contest

IN a politically embarrassing turn of events for Labour’s leadership, the party’s National Executive yesterday decided by a margin of just one not to contest the presidency.

Despite a recommendation from Labour leader Pat Rabbitte that the executive turn down Michael D Higgins’ offer to run, the final result - 13 votes to 12 - was far closer than expected.

The decision means Green Party hopeful Eamon Ryan looks certain - with the help of Labour signatories - to receive the required 20 nominations in order to enter the race for Áras an Uachtaráin.

But with Labour stopping short of offering crucial financial support to Mr Ryan’s campaign, it remains uncertain whether the Green Party will have adequate resources to mount a worthwhile challenge.

The Greens and Labour are expected to discuss the issue of Mr Ryan’s nomination today in advance of tomorrow’s Green Party National Council meeting in Clonakilty, Co Cork, where a final decision will be made.

Although Mr Rabbitte indicated he had no intention of declining any request to facilitate Eamon Ryan’s nomination, he immediately ruled out the prospect of financial assistance.

“If you’re asking me would I contribute finance, for example, in the name of the Labour party to the candidacy of another candidate, I would not. For God’s sake, if I was prepared to do that, I would be supporting Michael D Higgins and we would be running a Labour campaign,” he said.

But Mr Rabbitte brushed aside suggestions that the issue had split his party in a decisive manner.

“The essence, the currency of politics is debate and you wouldn’t be a member of the Labour party unless you held your views with conviction,” he said.

Responding to yesterday’s decision Mr Higgins, said the margin was indicative of how difficult the party’s choice had been.

Indicating that a race between President McAleese and possibly Dana Rosemary Scallon left little choice for the Irish people, Mr Higgins said he had “no notion” to exclude Eamon Ryan.

Meanwhile Mr Ryan - who yesterday admitted to having smoked and enjoyed marijuana - last night paid tribute to Michael D Higgins saying he regretted his departure from the contest.

“Michael D Higgins has been an inspiration to me and to many other people, particularly on issues of social justice, both at home and internationally,” he said.

Dana’s brother and spokesman, John Browne, also paid tribute to Mr Higgins.

“It’s a terrible pity he’s gone. He’s a democrat and it would have been good to see him in there,” he said.

Mr Browne said Dana was continuing to seek the support of the required four county councils and would not give up until all had made a decision.