Politics

Fine Gael Ministers declare support for Taoiseach

Chief Whip calls on Enda Kenny to clarify his intentions over succession process

Taoiseach Enda Kenny: it is understood he intends to lead Fine Gael for a full term in office but not into the next election. Photograph: Cyril Byrne / The Irish Times
Fiach Kelly
Sarah Bardon
Sat Jul 09 2016 - 01:00

A number of Fine Gael Ministers and prospective leadership candidates have declared their continued support for Taoiseach Enda Kenny as party leader.

Sources close to both Minister for Housing Simon Coveney and Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar insisted they would do nothing to spark a leadership contest. Those close to Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald stressed she is "absolutely loyal" to Mr Kenny.

It is understood Mr Kenny intends to lead Fine Gael for a full term in office but not into the next election, and that he will set out a succession process in due course.

Government chief whip Regina Doherty yesterday told LMFM radio "it would be fair if the Taoiseach clarified this so we could get back to normal".

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‘Full support’

However, she later said: “The decision on his future when he makes it will be completely his own to make,” adding that he had her “full support and backing”.

Ms Doherty was criticised by opposition TDs in the Dáil yesterday after the business of the House was delayed for 40 minutes until 20 members required for a quorum were found. TDs were rebuked by Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl.

Fianna Fáil public expenditure spokesman Dara Calleary, in a reference to Ms Doherty, said he understood "the person charged with business was on her local radio station talking about the Fine Gael leadership''.

Reilly appointment

A number of TDs reported anger at grassroots level over Mr Kenny’s surprise decision to reappoint James Reilly as deputy Fine Gael leader.

Cork South West TD Jim Daly, who has called on Mr Kenny to outline his intentions after October's budget, expressed concern directly to Dr Reilly.

Mr Daly said he told Dr Reilly of the grassroots anger and said the decision showed “poor judgment” on the part of Mr Kenny.

Mr Coveney insisted Mr Kenny retained the support of the entire party.

“There have been some difficult issues undoubtedly but I do not see any change in leadership any time soon in Fine Gael. At some point in the future there will be a leadership issue but I do not see it happening any time soon,” he said.

Mr Varadkar said there was “no vacancy” at the top of Fine Gael at present. “Everyone in this Government, including me, has a lot of work to do and my focus is firmly on the department of social protection.”

A spokesman for Ms Fitzgerald said there was “no vacancy for the leadership”.