Blow for Kenny as major player nears defection to Bruton

The acting Finance Spokesman for Fine Gael, appointed by Enda Kenny less than 48 hours ago, is thought to be on the brink of announcing that he supports Richard Bruton in the Fine Gael leadership battle.

Kieran O'Donnell is one of 14 TDs and Senators who have so far refused to declare where their loyalties lie.

They will be crucial in deciding whether Enda Kenny survives as party leader at a meeting of the parliamentary party tomorrow.

Both sides are claiming they are on the brink of victory.

The Bruton camp say that the momentum is with them now, insisting that there is a "movement for change".

Dublin South West TD Brian Hayes said that he is expecting Bruton's numbers to swell.

The Bruton campaign believes O'Donnell will announce his loyalty to them sometime today.

In the Kenny camp, some are fearing that their numbers have been cut to the slimmest of a majority and they could lose more.

Contacts with 13 key members of the parliamentary party are continuing on both sides ahead of tomorrow's vote.