A full-scale Fine Gael leadership battle will get under way this morning after the dramatic ousting of Mr John Bruton by his parliamentary colleagues last night by a slender majority.
Mr Michael Noonan is the early front-runner to take over after the Fine Gael parliamentary party voted no confidence in Mr Bruton's continued leadership by 39 votes to 33. The vote came at the end of a 7-1/2hour meeting in Leinster House.
Early today, the Fine Gael press office confirmed that Mr Enda Kenny, a strong supporter of Mr Bruton, had stated his intention to be a candidate for the leadership. Mr Kenny, who will be 50 in April, entered the Dail in 1975 after winning the Mayo West by-election caused by the death of his father, Mr Henry Kenny. He was minister for tourism and trade in the Rainbow Coalition government led by Mr Bruton between 1994 and 1997.
Before Mr Kenny declared himself a runner, Mr Jim Mitchell had made clear yesterday that he would reassess his plans to run for the leadership, and consider throwing his support behind Mr Noonan, in the event of a third candidate emerging to challenge him and Mr Noonan. Mr Ivan Yates has told party colleagues he will not stand for the leadership. He has told the party he will stand at the next general election and retire from politics after that.
A special meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party this morning will decide arrangements for the election. Party rules provide that at least a week must elapse from the calling of the election to the vote. This would mean the earliest a vote could take place would be next Thursday morning, a party spokesman said last night.
Mr Bruton formally resigned as party leader last night after an emotional and tense sevenhour debate. In a moving speech outside Leinster House he said he would contest the next general election but did not elaborate on his future political plans.
Mr Mitchell said he believed Mr Bruton should serve on the party's front bench in the future should he wish to do so.
In a dignified but emotional speech, Mr Bruton said he fully accepted the party's decision. However he indicated he thought it unnecessary. "I was completely certain this morning and remain completely certain that Fine Gael will be returned to power after the next election."
As the parliamentary party met late into the night at Leinster House, key deputies and senators whose votes were previously uncertain came out against the leader.
Mr Tom Enright, Mr Jim O'Keeffe, Mr Joe Doyle and Mr Sean Barrett confirmed they were voting against Mr Bruton, joining Mr Simon Coveney and Mr David Stanton who did so yesterday morning. Ms Madeleine Taylor-Quinn is also believed to have voted against the leader.
However claims by the antiBruton side that the vote against him would ultimately be higher proved unfounded and Mr Bruton's supporters remained loyal despite predictions during the day that he would lose.
At least four speakers called on Mr Bruton to resign before the vote. These included Mr Simon Coveney and Ms Monica Barnes. Shortly before the meeting began at 2.45 p.m., the former party leader Mr Alan Dukes met Mr Bruton in his office, causing speculation that he had advised him to resign. There was no confirmation of this available last night.
A long speech by Mr Bruton at the end defending his position and attempting to influence any remaining waiverers ultimately failed to sway the necessary numbers in his favour.
Mr Bruton, who emerged from Leinster House shortly after 10 p.m., told reporters that the person elected as his successor would have his complete support. "I wish to state that I fully accept this democratic decision," he added.
Mr Bruton confirmed that he intended to contest the next general election in the Meath constituency, which he has represented in the Dail since 1969. He said he felt certain that Fine Gael would be returned to power after the next general election.
"I've had no doubt about that, regardless of the outcome of today's meeting. I've believed - and believe - Fine Gael will be returned to office.
Mr Bruton, who was flanked by supporters including the deputy leader of the party, Mrs Nora Owen, said he was absolutely convinced he had done the right thing in letting the motion of no confidence in his leadership go to a vote.
"The Fine Gael party founded this State on the basis of respect for a majority decision taken by elected representatives. This was a majority decision taken by elected representatives.
"I did not wilt under pressure, and will not wilt under pressure in any future challenges that I face in my life. I believe that I showed the appropriate demeanour on this occasion," he said.
Mr Noonan said he hoped that Mr Bruton would continue to contribute to Fine Gael and the people of Ireland.