The process of electing a new Fine Gael party leader will begin in Dublin when at a two-day meeting begins this afternoon.
All members of the parliamentary party - including TDs, MEPs and senators - will attend the meeting in Citywest at 2 p.m. They are to consider the future of the party, which lost 23 seats in the General Election.
However, the party is divided about whether a new leader should be sought in time for the first sitting of the 29th Dáil on June 6th or whether there should be wider consultation within the party, with Mr Noonan remaining as a caretaker leader.
Potential leadership candidates have been slow to emerge with only Mr Phil Hogan, TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, formally declaring his interest in the role.
Roscommon TD Mr Denis Naughten is considered to be another likely contender with possible leaderships bids from Mr Richard Bruton and Mr Gay Mitchell.
A party spokesperson said the meeting had no agenda so as to allow the party time to reflect. It is intended that a method for appointing the new party leader will have been agreed by tomorrow evening.
