Confidence in Mr John Bruton increased among the betting public yesterday, with Paddy Power bookmakers offering odds of 11/10 on Mr Bruton defeating today's no-confidence motion against him. Slightly shorter odds of 5/4 were offered on Monday.
The chain of betting shops was offering odds of 4/7 on Mr Bruton being defeated by the motion.
"The feeling today is that he is going to survive," said Mr Paul Ryan, a Paddy Power spokesman. Despite this, Mr Michael Noonan is favourite to be Fine Gael leader on April 1st, according to the bets placed. "People are confused. It's even money for Michael Noonan and John Bruton is 11/8," Mr Ryan said.
The odds-on Mr Ivan Yates becoming party leader shortened to 7/2 from 11/2 yesterday, while Mr Jim Mitchell's odds slipped from 9/4 to 7/1. Interest from the betting public meant that Mr Jim Higgins entered the race yesterday and was quoted at 7/1 to win the party leadership. Meanwhile, Mr Alan Dukes and Mr Charles Flanagan both slipped to 50/1.
A £1,000 bet was placed on Mr Noonan becoming party leader in one Paddy Power shop yesterday. Mr Ivan Yates also attracted lively betting with a £400 bet being placed on him to win the leadership.
