Former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood reaches out to Labour for presidential nomination
Several Labour sources confirmed that Mr Eastwood has reached out to the party for possible support for the presidential election. However, the MLA for the Foyle constituency was not permitted to address the parliamentary party, despite some Labour TDs suggesting he be allowed.
To receive a nomination, an individual is required to be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas, or receive the backing of four county councils.
Labour sources expressed surprise that Mr Eastwood sought the support of the party, with one saying there were 'mixed views' towards him within the parliamentary party. One TD said they were 'somewhat bewildered' at Mr Eastwood's approach, citing that the SDLP was more closely aligned with Fianna Fáil during his time as leader.
'I'm really surprised he didn't go to Fianna Fáil first as he wanted to subsume his party into Fianna Fáil,' the TD said.
They said, however, any individual was entitled to approach Labour and there may be an argument to give Mr Eastwood a hearing – similarly to how independent candidate Catherine Connolly was permitted to address their parliamentary party earlier this week.
Another TD said it appeared to be a 'solo run' by Mr Eastwood, saying his approach may not have necessarily been pushed by the SDLP. They added the party would be more interested if current SDLP leader, Claire Hanna, considered approaching Labour.
Late last month, Mr Eastwood confirmed he was considering standing for the presidency. "There's very few candidates in the field right now. It's something that needs a lot of consideration," Mr Eastwood said, speaking to the BBC.
"I'm going to take the time to think about it, but it's a long summer and there's enough to be getting on with before any decisions around that would have to be made."
While there was some suggestion Mr Eastwood could be a possible candidate for Fianna Fáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin moved to dismiss the prospect last month. The Taoiseach said there had been 'no contact' with him or engagement with Fianna Fáil, but it was 'open to everybody to put themselves forward'.
It comes as both Ms Connolly and Fine Gael's Mairead McGuinness became the first candidates to formally enter the race earlier this week.
Ms Connolly confirmed on Wednesday that she received the requisite 20 Oireachtas nominations to get on the ballot paper, saying the upcoming election was a critical moment for the country.
Meanwhile, Ms McGuinness, a former MEP and European Commissioner, was confirmed as Fine Gael's candidate on Tuesday.
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