Speculation grows over Fine Gael leadership

There is speculation that a challenge to the leadership of Fine Gael will be announced this afternoon.

Fine Gael front-benchers, Mr Michael Noonan and Mr Jim Mitchell are expected to announce their backing for a motion of no-confidence in Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, this afternoon.

Mr Bruton's position is in question after an Irish Times/MRBIopinion poll on Friday showing plummeting ratings for both the party leader and the party itself. Several Sunday newspapers reported that Mr Michael Noonan and Mr Jim Mitchell held a secret meeting in Dublin last night to plan a strategy for the leadership challenge.

Both today's Sunday Independentand Sunday Timesclaim the two will overthrow the former Taoiseach before the next election and possibly before the party Ard Fheis in March.

The Sunday Timesquotes senior party sources as saying the two men were advised to form a pact, with Mr Noonan expected to bid for party leader and Mr Mitchell as his deputy.

The anticipated no-confidence motion will probably be debated by the 73-strong Fine Gael parliamentary party later this week. By that time, it is reckoned the identity of the challenger will be known.

Additional reporting PA