Senior party sources yesterday were in agreement that the Dun Laoghaire deputy was the early front runner with some already predicting "it would take something dramatic" to stop him becoming leader.

However, there is also strong support for Dublin West TD Joan Burton, who was one of the party's best performers in the last Dail.

Burton yesterday dismissed suggestions that she was considering instead running for the deputy leadership. "I am exploring, and interested in, becoming leader, " she said, adding that she did not know where the deputy leader suggestion came from. She said she wouldn't make any decision for a few days, but insisted the deputy leadership was "not on my agenda".

While Dublin North-East TD Tommy Broughan is also considering putting his name forward, the major unknown in the race is whether Brendan Howlin will contest. Wellplaced sources said the Wexford TD was "very conflicted" as to whether he would run. Howlin told the Tribune he would make an announcement on whether to stand either tomorrow or Tuesday. The Wexford deputy said it's about "who's best equipped for the job".