Fine Gael split over leadership issue

The battle for the votes of Fine Gael TDs is continuing around the country, in the lead-up to Wednesday's crucial vote on the party leadership.

The latest to join the ranks against John Bruton is Gerry Reynolds in the Sligo-Leitrim constituency.

He joins Michael Finucane in Limerick and John Brown, the only TD in Carlow.

However, Mr Bruton does have some support with Bernard Durkan TD in North Kildare and Phil Hogan TD in Carlow both backing him.

Bernard Durkan has echoed Mr Bruton's own statement by pointing out that the leadership challenge is proving destructive.