Leadership Speculation Heightens As Bruton Admits Ambition

Speculation that the main Opposition party may soon undertake a leadership contest has reached feverent levels as Fine Gael's deputy leader admits he'd like to lead the party.

Deputy leader Richard Bruton's hint comes amidst a tumultuous week for the party after high profile new member George Lee spectacularly walked out of Fine Gael on Monday.

The Opposition is holding a parliamentary party meeting tonight to discuss the fallout over the resignation of George Lee.

However, despite the mounting speculation, Party leader Enda Kenny emerged from a meeting of his party’s front bench yesterday with unanimous backing after giving his colleagues an undertaking to improve his performance.

It has been reported there was "a robust" exchange of views about Mr Kenny's leadership performance at the meeting.

Deputy Bruton said yesterday that Enda Kenny had handled the situation well.

"What is clear Fine Gael has moved on from this - it was very disappointing to lose George Lee, I think a lot of people feel let down," Mr Bruton said.

He added: "The truth is that Enda Kenny is leader of Fine Gael, he handled this situation very honourably in my view."

After the meeting, Mr Kenny conceded that the departure of Mr Lee had been damaging but he maintained that Fine Gael had come through "a hell of a lot worse" in the past.

(DW/GK)