Little General and Big Phil go to battle

THE contestants for the leadership of Fine Gael are only the figurehead for factions in the party.

Each has been run by their own tactician and organiser. These two men are considered in the party to be among its most astute political operators.

On the side of the leader, Enda Kenny, is Big Phil Hogan. And his rival, Richard Bruton, is being directed by the Little General Brian Hayes.