Taoiseach Enda Kenny has insisted he will lead Fine Gael into the next election and will form another government with Labour following a spring 2016 contest.
A growing number of Fine Gael figures – backbenchers and Ministers – are beginning to question Mr Kenny’s command of the party, and whether he is the correct person to lead them into the looming campaign.
While no moves against the leader are anticipated in the short term, his position could come under further pressure if the party’s poll figures do not improve by the spring, some TDs believe.
The latest Irish Times/Ipsos MRBI poll put Fine Gael on 19 per cent, its lowest standing since 2003, with Mr Kenny's satisfaction rating also on 19 per cent – the lowest of any party leader.
However, speaking in Armagh this Friday afternoon following a meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council, Mr Kenny insisted he will see his party through the election successfully.
“I am absolutely happy that, not only will I lead the Fine Gael party into the next election, but lead them through it successfully to form a government with the Labour Party as we go into the late spring of 2016,” said Mr Kenny.
“We have 15 months to run before the next general election. The Government of Fine Gael and Labour made very clear decisions early on that we would make all of the very difficult decisions in the first period of Government. We’ve done all of that and the last of those, in terms of an extra charge, is the water situation.
‘Deep recession’
“We’ve got 15 months to run before the next election . . . while I never comment on polls, there is a challenge for Government – myself and everybody else – to explain the why of the decisions, so that the people can see the rising benefits that are coming now from having emerged from deep recession.”
He also said it was important that improving economic figures be “humanised” and that people only see recovery when it affects them in their pockets.
Speaking at the same event, Tánaiste Joan Burton defended the Coalition’s record in office and said Fine Gael and Labour had improved the economy and increased employment.
Ms Burton said, in terms of Dáil private members motions, "not once has anyone in the Opposition raised the the issue of employment or the issue of the economy" because the Coalition's record in both areas was one of success.
Sinn Féin has tabled a motion of no confidence in Mr Kenny, which will be debated in the Dáil next week.
"I would be very confident that, as the debate turns to what is the future for Ireland. that the electorate will make decisions about securing the best possible future," added Ms Burton.
