Previous struggles leave trail of animosity

WHEN Fine Gael has reflected on its failure to find favour with the public, internal factions have rushed to turn the cross-hairs on the leader of the day.

This has gone on for decades, and left Alan Dukes, John Bruton, Michael Noonan and, now, Enda Kenny, watching their backs as the various traditions in the party battled for control.

However, rather than the leadership challenges representing cathartic clean-outs, Fine Gael has typically suffered from lingering animosity.