[galaxy-dev] python2.6?

Hello all, If this question is not for this list, please advise. Both my RHEL55 and SL55 are based on python 2.4.3 - how I can add python 2.6 support for Galaxy without screwing up OS? I had both 2.4 and 2.6 installed, by python -V returns only 2.4.3. When I uninstalled 2.4.3, SL55 self-destructed, the same will happen with RHEL55. I was advised that 2.6 should not ever be made seen (like manipulating $PATH) by the system that depends on 2.4 - so how I add 2.6 if it is needed for full functionality?