Both sides confident ahead of Bruton debate
Fine Gael leader John Bruton will learn later today if he is to retain his control of the country's second largest political party.
The 72-member parliamentary party will vote this afternoon on whether Deputy Bruton or either of his rivals, Michael Noonan and Jim Mitchell, will take Fine Gael into the next election.
However, the result is still too close to call, with both sides claiming they have secured 40 votes.
It is expected that the winning margin will be no more than a handful of votes.
A final result is due at around 5pm.
