Simon Harris is expected to become the new leader of Fine Gael after nominations close later.
Mr Harris, who is currently Ireland’s minister for further and higher education, was the only candidate to seek the party leadership.
He is set to replace Leo Varadkar, who announced on Wednesday he was stepping down as party leader and taoiseach (Irish prime minister).
Nominations were to close on Monday, but were brought forward by 24 hours.
A memo sent to Fine Gael politicians on Friday said the announcement of the party leader would be made at the conclusion of the party’s Midlands North West European selection convention in Athlone on Sunday.
It added that if only one person is nominated, the returning officer will confirm that person as party leader.
Mr Harris has a clear run at the top job after other ministers who were viewed as potential competitors ruled themselves out.
He was the early favourite, with many backing the 37-year-old before nominations even opened.
Ministers Helen McEntee, Paschal Donohoe and Heather Humphreys were among those to throw their support behind Mr Harris.
Speaking on Friday, Mr Harris said he was “overwhelmed and honoured” by the support he had received over the last few days.
On Wednesday, Mr Varadkar caused shock when he announced he would be stepping down as Fine Gael leader immediately, and would resign as taoiseach as soon as his successor was selected.
He said he was resigning for “personal and political reasons” and was “not the best person for the job anymore”.
He also denied any “conspiracy theories” over the decision, telling reporters in Brussels there was no ulterior motive or new job on the cards.
Mr Varadkar’s resignation paved the way for a party leadership contest, but as he heads the current coalition government alongside Fianna Fáil and the Green Party in Dublin, his successor is also expected to take over as taoiseach.
