John Bruton, Frontbenchers will not take part in vote
On the eve of the Fine Gael vote on the leadership of John Bruton, both sides are continuing to express confidence about the outcome. Sources close to Mr Bruton say that they now have sufficient votes to defeat the no confidence motion tabled by senior front benchers, Michael Noonan and Jim Mitchell. However, those opposed to Mr Bruton's continued leadership say that even if the votes of the undecided go his way, he still will not win. It is also believed that the outcome of tomorrow's vote would be very close.
The ballot meeting will begin at 2.30pm tomorrow and 73 people will be entitled to vote. No vote on the leadership will be taken by Fine Gael front-benchers, who gave unanimous support to John Bruton in November's heave against him. This time, it is clear that they are divided on the issue, with at least six of them in the anti-Bruton camp. That division is reflected in the wider parliamentary party with both sides in the leadership race claiming they have been assured of majority support in advance of Wednesday's meeting. This suggests many Deputies and Senators are hedging their bets or awaiting the outcome of consultations with their constituency organisations.
Earlier today, the Fine Gael front bench met ahead of the meeting. It was attended by 17 front-benchers including Mr Bruton's two challengers, Jim Mitchell and Michael Noonan. The two sides have been intensifying their efforts to win the votes of about nine parliamentary party members who have not yet declared their positions. A spokesman said afterwards that the motion of no confidence in the leadership had been noted but it had not been discussed.
Last night, Fine Gael dismissed suggestions that the leadership battle would deflect from their promised Dáil attack on the Government over the Liam Lawlor affair. Both they and Labour have rejected the coalition motion that he should resign his seat if he does not co-operate with the Flood Tribunal. They are calling for his immediate resignation.
