John Bruton, Resigned last night after no confidence motion was carried
Three frontbenchers have so far confirmed their intention to stand for the leadership of Fine Gael, which will be decided by the parliamentary party tomorrow week. Michael Noonan, Jim Mitchell and Enda Kenny have said that they will be contesting the leadership. The election follows last night's resignation by John Bruton after a motion of no confidence in him was carried by 39 votes to 33.
Also, Fine Gael Chief Whip Charlie Flanagan has told RTÉ News that he has not ruled out the possibility of allowing his name to go forward for the leadership of the party. Speaking a short time ago, he said that he would be consulting with colleagues and his constituency association before making up his mind on the issue. He said that it was too early yet to say what would happen.
After a brief meeting of the parliamentary party this morning, its chairman, Phil Hogan, announced that nominations for the leadership election would close at 6pm on Monday and the meeting to decide the issue would be held on Friday morning. After his resignation last night, Mr Bruton said that he would remain in politics and would be a candidate in the next general election.
After a seven-hour meeting at Leinster House, Phil Hogan announced that Mr Bruton had been defeated. A drawn and emotional John Bruton said that he was happy to accept the democratic decision of his parliamentary party. Forty-eight members of the parliamentary party spoke at the marathon meeting, which was wound up by Mr Bruton, who made what sources said was an impassioned speech. The party chairman said that the defeated leader had accepted the result with the dignity that was to be expected of such an exemplary figure. He said that Fine Gael had had a difficult day, but that it would now unite behind a new leader in the run up to the general election.
The Taoiseach has paid tribute to Mr Bruton. Bertie Ahern said that he filled the office of Taoiseach with dignity and distinction. "During his period of office, he helped sustain the strong economic growth that began in 1993/4 and that has continued since. He worked conscientiously to advance the peace process and helped put in place the structures to the make all party talks productive. I have always found him honourable in his dealings and I thank him for the good working relationship, which we had, regardless of which side of the House we found ourselves."
