A large number of Fine Gael members were refusing to nail their colours to the mast yesterday in relation to the party's leadership race, preferring to keep their preferences private.
However, as of last night, 40 of the 72 members of the Fine Gael party, two of them privately, had made their voting intentions known to The Irish Times. Mr Michael Noonan has 24 votes, Mr Enda Kenny has eight votes, Mr Jim Mitchell has five votes and Mr Bernard Allen has three votes.
Cork East TD Mr David Stanton said he was supporting Mr Noonan. "I've consulted widely with my constituency organisation on this. I am backing Mr Noonan for his experience and ability to get to the issue very quickly. He's also a team player and will be well able to pull a team around him."
Kerry deputy Mr Jimmy Deenihan is supporting Mr Noonan because "it goes back to the original thing and how I felt there is a need for change in the party". He said: "I am confident that Michael is the best choice. He has a vision which he will no doubt reveal when he becomes leader on Friday."
Mr John Browne, Carlow/Kilkenny TD, also declared for Mr Noonan. "He has a lot of experience in difficult ministries. He has a common touch about him, a sense of humour and above all, he is able to think on his feet. He would be able to take Bertie on any day."
Galway East TD Mr Ulick Burke is also supporting Mr Noonan.
Clare TD Mr Donal Carey said he was faced with a dilemma because Mr Noonan was "a near neighbour" but he had worked closely with Mr Enda Kenny. Mr Carey was chairman of the joint committee on Heritage and Irish Language for which Mr Kenny used to be spokesman. "Do I go for the fresh face or for the tried and trusted? It's a difficult decision," he said.
The man responsible for the November heave against Mr John Bruton as leader, Waterford TD Mr Austin Deasy, said he was consulting his constituents and would decide in a few days, as did Cork North-West TD Mr Michael Creed.
Mr Bernard Durkan, Kildare North TD, said he would not be declaring ahead of Friday's vote, as did Longford/Roscommon TD Louis Belton.
Cavan/Monaghan TD Mr Andrew Boylan said his choice was between Mr Kenny and Mr Noonan. "I'm leaving it open until I speak to both of them."
Michael Joe Cosgrave said he hadn't decided yet and was still in the process of meeting candidates, as did Senator Liam Cosgrave, Mr Sean Barrett, Mr Paul Connaughton, Mr Simon Conveney, Mr Michael D'Arcy, Mr Denis Naughten and Mr P.J. Sheehan, who said he would "study the field very well before I mark my card".
Mr Seymour Crawford said his decision would be "fairly clearly known" but he did not wish to make it public yet.
Co Meath deputy Mr John Farrelly said he would be voting for Mr Kenny. "If John Bruton wasn't clicking with the public I don't believe either of the other three will. Kenny is a fresher face."