The liberal wing of Ireland's Fine Gael party is reportedly flexing its political muscle, delivering what is described as a devastating blow to party leader Simon Harris. This internal development comes just days before the party's Ard Fheis, its annual conference, scheduled to take place this weekend.
The news of a Tuesday night decision, details of which were not immediately clear, is understood to have caused significant consternation among party members overnight. A source indicated that "the stage is set for a good row over the weekend," referring to the upcoming conference at University College Cork.
The internal party maneuverings occur against a backdrop described as a "major blue tide in America," though the direct connection to the developments within Fine Gael remains unspecified in the reporting. The challenge to Harris's leadership adds an element of tension to the party's upcoming gathering.