Ryan struggles for support to challenge McAleese

GREEN PARTY presidential hopeful Eamon Ryan was last night struggling to secure the support of enough independent TDs to allow him to challenge Mary McAleese for the presidency.

The latest twist in the race for Áras an Uachtaráin means it looks increasingly unlikely that Mr Ryan will be nominated to contest next month’s elections.

Despite having the support of up to 13 Labour deputies - more than enough to reach the required quota of 20 - it is understood that neither the Green Party nor Labour want to see Mr Ryan enter a presidential race in which Labour will be seen as a major stakeholder in another party’s candidate.