John Bruton has vowed to stand firm despite the imminent challenge to his leadership of Fine Gael.
Mr Bruton was speaking ahead of a news conference by Jim Mitchell and Michael Noonan, called to address what they call 'the crisis in Fine Gael'.
They are expected to put forward a vote of no confidence in their leader. However, Mr Bruton has sent out message of warning to the two, saying they themselves could end up in trouble. He says anyone who re-opens an issue that was settled democratically, places themselves in a difficult position. "I would prefer to discuss their position with them personally rather than openly", he said.