Nominations for new Green leader to close

Nominations for the next leader of the Green Party are due to close today.

Minister for Environment John Gormley and former MEP Patricia McKenna have so far declared their interest in the post.

Former leader Trevor Sargent stepped down last month after his party members voted to enter Government with Fianna Fáil.

The Dublin North TD had made a pre-election pledge not to lead his TDs into power with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s party.

Today is also the deadline for nominations for the deputy leader post Each nomination must be endorsed by 50 members of the party.

Postal ballots will then be sent out to all members with voting rights on Monday.

Ballots must be returned by noon on Tuesday July 17 and counted.

The next leader and deputy leader of the party will subsequently be announced.