Fine Gael delegates have voted in favour of a motion that will give ordinary party members a greater say when electing a party leader.
At a meeting in Athlone some 85% of delegates backed the move which will result in rank and file members having 35% of the vote when selecting a leader.
The majority say will remain with TD's, MEP's and Senators who have 65% of the vote.
The motion had the backing of the party leader, Enda Kenny.
