Green Party leader Mal O’Hara has been nominated for a place in the Seanad, according to reports.
The former Belfast councillor, who lost his seat in last year’s local government election, is understood to be the coalition government’s candidate in the forthcoming Seanad by-election.
The by-election has been triggered by the resignation of Sinn Féin senator Niall Ó Donnghaile.
The former Belfast mayor announced he was stepping down for health reasons in December.
Nominations for the by-election, in which only current TDs and senators vote, close on March 22.
It is understood the election of Mr O’Hara, who was unavailable for comment on Friday, is regarded as a formality.
