Young Fine Gael remain undecided over Bruton

Young Fine Gael said it will not be taking a stance on the current no confidence motion against Mr John Bruton because of diverging…

Young Fine Gael said it will not be taking a stance on the current no confidence motion against Mr John Bruton because of diverging views on the issue.

The Fine Gael leader's fate will be decided tomorrow at a meeting of the parliamentary party when a challenge by former Cabinet Ministers, Mr Michael Noonan and Mr Jim Mitchell, will be formally debated.

According to The Irish Timesboth camps were confident yesterday of success, each claiming the support of 30 TDs, senators and MEPs. 37 votes will be required to guarantee success.

It is believed senators Mr Tom Hayes, Mr Dino Cregan and Mr Ernie Caffrey remain undecided, as do TDs Mr Sean Barrett and Mr Michael Ring.

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Ms Joanne Harmon, spokesperson for Young Fine Gael told ireland.comtoday that following an executive meeting last night, the organisation had decided to take a neutral stance regarding Mr Bruton's leadership as members were divided equally.

"Nobody felt that there was a consensus on the issue", she said.

The Irish Timesreported that in the event of a leadership contest between the challengers, it was now "clear" that deputies, senators and MEPs favoured Mr Noonan over Mr Mitchell.