A Green Party MEP has said now is not the time for a change of leadership.
Last week, deputy leader Catherine Martin said she would give 'serious consideration' to contesting the upcoming leadership election.
A number of party councillors have nominated her to challenge Eamon Ryan's leadership.
The Greens have to hold a leadership contest within six months of a general election.
But Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe told On The Record: "It's not a great time at all, but our party constitution dictates that we have a leadership election or selection after each general election.
"I'm lucky that we've so many great people who could lead the party - both Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin would make excellent leaders.
"But I don't believe we should be changing horses in mid-stream.
"I think we need continuity at this time, so I think it is best for the moment for Eamon to continue."
"I think the date for when the ballots will be issued is cast in stone on the 22nd or 23rd of June.
"But I think the opening for nominations and the final call for nominations was up to the executive council of the party.
"And I would prefer it if that had been pushed back towards the end of June.
"But these are decisions that I weren't party to, and I think with hindsight there may have been better ways of choosing the dates".
"I think it's all about team work: it's not just about Eamon or all about Catherine, I think it's about some extraordinary constituency chairs and elected representatives from county councils through to the Seanad, the Dáil and certainly Grace O'Sullivan and myself are working hard in Europe".
