Jim Mitchell favourite to take over FG leadership
A new poll has put Jim Mitchell in front position to succeed John Bruton as Fine Gael leader.
Excluding Bernard Allen, who declared himself a candidate after the poll was conducted, Deputy Mitchell has 30% support, Michael Noonan has 25% and Enda Kenny has 17%.
According to the findings of the Sunday Independent/IMS opinion poll, the majority of people also believe Fine Gael were right to oust Bruton as leader.
59% of those asked said they were opposed to an election now, while just 32% would like to go to the ballot.
The poll, conducted last Thursday, also shows the Government still riding high in the ratings.
Support for Fianna Fail has fallen two points to 46% but is still some way clear of Fine Gael at 25%. The Progressive Democrats are down one to 11% and Labour are up one to 4%.
