Mr Austin Deasy has been involved in two previous moves against Fine Gael party leaders. He unsuccessfully opposed Mr Alan Dukes's leadership in June 1989 and Dr Garret FitzGerald's leadership in March 1982. In both cases he said his opposition was due to poor performances by the party at elections.
Dr FitzGerald, however, appointed the Dungarvan-born former science teacher minister for agriculture in December 1982.
He was the first Fine Gael Cabinet minister from Waterford and was elected to the Dail in 1977 after two unsuccessful attempts. Before being appointed to the Cabinet he was Fine Gael's spokesman on fisheries, transport and foreign affairs.
During his five years as agriculture minister Mr Deasy negotiated with other European ministers in Brussels over farm price levies and reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.
It was among the most difficult periods in recent agricultural history and he resisted attempts to introduce farm price levies, using the veto against such proposals. He was nonetheless bitterly opposed by the farming community during periods of his ministerial term.
He also received opposition from the then Bishop of Limerick, Dr Jeremiah Newman, during the debate on divorce when he said legislation should be drafted for all people, not just Roman Catholics.
After the 1987 general election he was spokesman on agriculture and was a prominent supporter of Mr John Bruton in the leadership contest which Mr Dukes won. He resigned from the frontbench in March 1988 and led the opposition against Mr Dukes in 1989.
When Mr Bruton became leader in 1991 he was again appointed party spokesman on agriculture. In October 1992 he was given the marine opposition portfolio with less responsibility.
He announced over a year ago he would be stepping down at the next election. His son, John, a member of Waterford County Council, is favoured to succeed him.