The identity of the second Green senator has been generating considerable speculation. The new party leader . . . announced after ballots are counted on Tuesday . . . will decide on the nomination. However, the leader will have to adhere to three key party criteria in justifying the selection . . .

regional balance, gender and the individual's performance in the recent general election. Meeting two out of the three criteria might be sufficient with the choice likely to be made between Deirdre de Burca in Wicklow and Niall O Brolchain in Galway West.