15/06/2010

Fine Gael Leadership Bid By Bruton

The former Deputy Leader of the Irish Republic's opposition party Fine Gael, Richard Bruton, (pictured) is expected to challenge for the party's leadership after he was sacked on Monday.

The party will be holding a crucial front bench meeting today which may determine whether the current leader Enda Kenny survives as party leader as he tests the level of support for his leadership among TDs, Senators and MEPs.

Mr Bruton's sacking came just as he was preparing to challenge Mr Kenny at the frontbench meeting in Leinster House. Mr Bruton's supporters were claiming that more than half the 19 members of the frontbench were prepared to back him.

However, Mr Kenny's supporters have responded saying that if frontbenchers backing Mr Bruton wanted to resign this morning, it was a matter for them if they wanted to lay down their political careers.

Yesterday, announcing Mr Bruton's sacking, Enda Kenny said he had asked Mr Bruton to reconsider his position and to work with him to ensure Fine Gael won the next general election.

"As the Dail will debate a motion of no confidence in the Taoiseach and Fine Gael's motion on the banking inquiry this week, Richard's decision leaves me with no option but to relieve him of his responsibilities as Deputy Leader and Finance Spokesperson with immediate effect.

"As the ongoing media speculation and uncertainty is damaging to the reputation of my Party, I have informed the Chairman of the Parliamentary Party that I am submitting a motion of confidence in my continued leadership of Fine Gael which I hope will be debated and voted on as soon as possible.

"I understand the Chairman of the Parliamentary Party, Padraic McCormack intends to convene a special meeting of the Parliamentary Party on Thursday morning."

(DW/GK)

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