Pressure grows on Bruton
Speculation is growing that a challenge to John Bruton's leadership of Fine Gael is imminent.
There are reports in today's Sunday Independent of a secret meeting between the two most likely challengers to Mr Bruton's position.
The newspaper alleges that Michael Noonan and Jim Mitchell met in Dublin last night to discuss their possibilities.
The speculation about Mr Bruton's future began this week after an opinion poll slump for Fine Gael.
A further telephone poll in the Sunday Independent shows that 57% of respondents want Deputy Bruton to go and will surely give further food for thought for those considering a challenge to the Opposition leader.
