Holly Cairns is to become the new leader of the Social Democrats on Wednesday.
The Cork woman will be unopposed after all other potential candidates ruled themselves out of the race.
Deputy Cairns says she's excited to be putting herself forward to be the next leader.
Party colleague, Deputy Gary Gannon says he's delighted she'll take on the role:
"She's immensely capable. I think in the short space of time that she's been in politics she's already left a fairly indelible mark.
"Her work on the Mother and Baby homes advocacy, her work in relation in climate change, she's really demonstrated that she's somebody that has take on a leadership role already, not only within the Social Democrats but within Irish politics.
"I'm so excited about this next phase of our development as a party."
