 As this meant that there were three strong candidates who held strong and divisive views on the future of the party, the party elders sought to find a compromise candidate.Lemass himself encouraged his Minister for Finance Jack Lynch, to contest the party leadership, and encouraged Colley, Haughey and Blaney to withdraw in favour of Lynch, arguing that they would not win a contest against him.However, Colley refused the Taoiseach's request and insisted on remaining in the race, but he was defeated by Lynch.