The Progressive Democrats have agreed a new system of electing the party leader, which will give a say to ordinary party members as well as elected party officials.
Although there is no indication that Mary Harney is likely to step down in the near future, her eventual successor will be elected by a new electoral college.
Forty per cent of the votes will go to the party's TDs, Senators and MEPs; 30% to members of the National Executive, party trustees, and councillors; and the remaining 30% to the general membership.
Twelve months membership is required in order to secure a vote in a leadership election.
The issue was decided at a special delegate conference of the party in Dublin today.
The new system was agreed by a two-thirds majority.
The issue was first raised at last year's annual conference, when it was proposed that ordinary members should elect the leader.
