In my days as a young political reporter if you’d asked me the difference between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil one of my first thoughts would have been: Fianna Fáil are far more craic.

Two former TDs, both well-known publicans, have died, it emerged today.

Fine Gael leader John Bruton has said he forgives Michael Noonan and Jim Mitchell for challenging his stewardship of the party.

The number of Fine Gael TDs who have come forward in favour of John Bruton's removal as leader has increased.