Labour's National Executive has decided by a single vote not to run a candidate in the Presidential Election.
Speaking after a three-hour debate, the party leader, Pat Rabbitte, said that the meeting had made no decision on whether to support the Green Party's Eamon Ryan.
He said Labour had yet to have any request from the Green Party on the issue.
However, he said Labour would not decline any request that would facilitate the entry into the race of a candidate like Mr Ryan.
Yesterday, the Labour Parliamentary Party recommended against contesting the election, preferring to concentrate instead on upcoming by-elections, and working with Fine Gael and the Greens to explore the creation of an alternative government.
Party President Michael D Higgins, who had said he would be available as a candidate if the party wished, addressed the meeting to outline his vision of the presidency and how a campaign could be run.
