Fine Gael has instructed its 246 councillors around the country to block the nomination of potential independent presidential candidates.
An order from party headquarters, seen by RTÉ News, has been sent to all 31 Fine Gael council groups setting out the position.
The instruction says that "as Fine Gael has a candidate in the Presidential Election, Fine Gael public representatives are only to nominate the Fine Gael candidate.
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"Fine Gael public representatives cannot in any way facilitate the nomination of any candidate other than the ratified Fine Gael candidate."
It continues: "In the event of a vote at any local authority on the nomination of a person other than the ratified Fine Gael candidate, the Fine Gael local authority members are whipped to oppose that nomination."
The diktat comes as special council meetings kick off on Monday to consider applications from aspiring presidential candidates.
At least 20 of the 31 councils will hold such meetings to hear from candidates.
Individuals require the backing of four local authorities to get on the ballot paper.
Gareth Sheridan, Nick Delehanty, Maria Steen and Conor McGregor are among the many applicants who have approached councils for their backing.
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín criticised the party's decision. In a post on X, he said: "FG is shutting down councils from democratically selecting an alternative candidate for the presidential election."
