Gormley likely to be confirmed new Green leader

Minister for the Environment John Gormley is expected to be confirmed as the new leader of the Green Party later today.

Mr Gormley is standing against former Green MEP Patricia McKenna, an opponent of the party's decision to enter government with Fianna Fáil.

The deadline for party members to return completed postal ballots is 12 noon today and the winner is expected to be announced at around 7pm.

Mr Gormley is widely expected to be chosen as Trevor Sargent's replacement for the leadership role.

Carlow-Kilkenny TD Mary White has already been re-elected unopposed as the deputy leader of the party.