Fine Gael ministers rally behind embattled Shatter

Fine Gael ministers have rallied behind Alan Shatter ahead of a vote of no confidence in the justice minister.

Two senior Cabinet members said they “absolutely” had confidence in the embattled minister yesterday, while Labour backbenchers also said Mr Shatter’s position was secure.

The messages of support came as Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin join forces in the next two days in a bid to force Mr Shatter from office.