The bookmakers' chain run by Mr Ivan Yates's family is not offering odds on the Fine Gael leadership challenge.
Celtic Bookmakers is a chain of 10 betting offices operated by Mr Yates's wife, Deirdre, a licensed bookmaker. Mr Yates, Fine Gael spokesman on the environment, has publicly supported Mr Bruton's leadership but has been mentioned as a possible successor.
A spokesperson said the chain occasionally offered odds on political issues but was not offering odds on this one. Ms Yates operates betting shops in Tramore, Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Athlone, Bray and Dublin.
Paddy Power was not favouring Mr Bruton to win tomorrow's leadership challenge. At close of business last night, it was offering odds of 1/2 for Mr Bruton to lose the confidence vote and odds of 5/4 to win. At least two £500 bets had been placed with Paddy Power on Mr Bruton to lose the vote.
