Noonan and Mitchell table no confidence motion in Bruton

Fine Gael deputies Jim Mitchell and Michael Noonan have just confirmed that they will table a motion of no confidence in the party leader, John Bruton. The motion is expected to be put down next Wednesday.

The announcement came at a special joint news conference in Dublin by the two men and followed a morning of speculation that Mr Bruton's leadership was about to be challenged. However, Mr Bruton has reacted by warning that they themselves could end up in trouble.