Brief Fine Gael meeting ends without conclusion

A meeting of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party to decide on the future of the party's Leadership has just ended, lasting around 30 minutes.

It is understood that Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny gave an impassioned speech to the assembled members, outlining the upcoming motion of confidence in him, and his reasons for sacking former Finance Spokesman Richard Bruton.

He then concluded the meeting without inviting responses.

At least nine Bruton supporters were expected to speak out against their leader.

Earlier, Bruton met with at least five front benchers in a hotel on the outskirts of Dublin to discuss tactics.

Kenny and Bruton are preparing for the fight of their political lives, as front-benchers debate who will lead the party into the future.