Leadership contest for FG, after Noonan resigns

Fine Gael members are still reeling from the party’s severe beating at the polls. Michael Noonan is stepping down, and whoever is chosen to take over the reigns will have a much smaller parliamentary party to lead.

The leadership contest is the next big question for Fine Gael. But, newly-elected TD Denis Naughten believes that race should be delayed.

He said: "I think that the leadership contest should be postponed until after the Seanad elections take place in two months time.

He continued: "I think the party needs that period of time to look at the impact and the conclusions of this general election and to ensure that the party leader but also the party organisation is revitalised and rejuvenated."