Fourth TD to run for Fine Gael leadership

The Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central has announced he will be a candidate in the leadership election to find a successor to John Bruton. Bernard Allen told RTÉ news that he would be handing in his nomination following approaches from a number of his party colleagues. He said that he was the party's poll topper in Cork and had a good political track record. Speaking on the RTÉ radio, he also said that social justice would be a key policy issue.

In reaction to Enda Kenny's statement that John Bruton had not defined the party as a nationalist party, Deputy Allen said that he favoured John Bruton's approach to Northern Ireland. Mr Allen said that he was confident, as he had been approached by both anti- and pro-Bruton supporters.

Earlier, Fine Gael TD, Enda Kenny, said that he intended to electrify the party if elected to the position of leader. The Mayo TD said that he had a proven record and would come to the job with no baggage, but was no lightweight either. He said that he had been approached to stand by people who both supported and opposed last week's motion of no confidence, which resulted in John Bruton's resignation.

He also said that he regarded Fine Gael as a Nationalist party - something which, he said, had not been spelt out fully by Mr Bruton. Mr Kenny said that he had a long tradition of dealing with Nationalism, as well as a record of understanding other people's points of view.

So far, four frontbenchers have confirmed their intention to stand for the leadership, which will be decided by the parliamentary party today week. They are Mr Allen, Mr Kenny, Michael Noonan and Jim Mitchell. The election follows the resignation of John Bruton after a motion of no confidence in him was carried by 39 votes to 33. Also, Fine Gael Chief Whip Charlie Flanagan told RTÉ News yesterday that he had not ruled out the possibility of allowing his name to go forward for the leadership of the party.