Richard Bruton favourite to replace Noonan

Dublin North Central TD Richard Bruton remains the favourite to succeed Michael Noonan as leader of Fine Gael.

Bookmakers have Mr Bruton as 7-4 favourite to take the post, with Simon Coveney second on 3-1.

Former leader John Bruton, who criticised the party’s leadership change in the wake of its severe defeat at the polls is behind at 6-1.

Meanwhile the party is continuing to pick up the pieces after its disastrous performance in the general election falling from 55 to 31 seats with many big names among its casualties.

Its national percentage rate at the polls was never as low, even when it secured just 30 of the 138 seats in the 1944 Dail.