Italy's 5-Star expels four senators as internal dissent grows

Leader of the 5-Star movement and comedian Beppe Grillo talks to reporters at the end of consultations with Italian Prime Minister-designate Matteo Renzi at the Parliament in Rome February 19, 2014. REUTERS/Tony Gentile

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's anti-establishment 5-Star Movement on Wednesday kicked out four senators for criticising its leader Beppe Grillo, in the latest sign of growing internal strife in the party that took a quarter of votes at last year's election.

Polls suggest 5-Star has kept most of its support despite a trickle of defections or expulsions of lawmakers unhappy with Grillo, a fiery comedian who rode a wave of public disgust with traditional parties to create a powerful political force.