O'Reilly: Now is not the time

A member of the Fine Gael front bench has called on the party's deputy leader Richard Bruton to pull back from the brink of a challenge to Enda Kenny's leadership.

It is reported today that Deputy Bruton told Deputy Kenny at the weekend that he no longer had confidence in him in the position.

However FG health spokesperson Dr James Reilly said he is very worried the heave will damage the party, and he hopes it will be resolved before going "the whole way".

However he also believes if there is a leadership battle Deputy Kenny will come out on top.

Deputy Reilly said now is not the time to be fighting internal disputes.

His comments were echoed by FG Chief Whip Paul Kehoe, who said a leadership contest is "the last thing the party needs" at this time.

Deputy Kehoe said the party should instead be concerting its efforts on tomorrow's vote of confidence in Taoiseach Brian Cowen.