McCartin declares support for Bruton

Fine Gael MEP Joe McCartin has come out in strong support of party leader John Bruton, who faces a vote of no confidence tomorrow.

The Connacht-Ulster MEP said: "Mr Bruton is a man who has always put the long term welfare of the Irish people before short term political strategies".

"The solution to the problems of Fine Gael will not be found in a populist star

who can provide entertainment in public chat shows.

There is no point in Fine Gael waiting around for some kind of prophet who will lead us into the promised land," he added.

But the MEP also said he could understand why there was some dissatisfaction with the party leadership.

"There is some justification for back benchers to complain that their

individuality is being suppressed in the name of party unity and this problem

should be addressed," he said.