Dukes declares for Noonan

The hopes of Fine Gael leadership candidate Michael Noonan have been handed a major boost by a declaration of support from former leader Alan Dukes.

Deputy Dukes said he is backing the party's finance spokesman because of his sound policies, which he believes will strengthen Fine Gael's position in the political system.

He said he has confidence in Deputy Noonan's ability to make the party a cornerstone of the next Government.