Fine Gael TDs want Enda Kenny to quit by the end of year

Fine Gael TDs yesterday rallied around Taoiseach Enda Kenny but insisted that he should stand aside by the end of the year.

Ministers and TDs publicly backed Mr Kenny, who has resisted calls to step down stating he will not be diverted from his job.

However, privately there is a widespread belief within the party that the Fine Gael leader should not lead them into the new year.

TDs and Ministers told The Irish Times privately he should be given the space and time to pass a budget.

One TD said an immediate change in leadership was premature, but insisted his and his colleagues’ support would “expire on 31st December, 2016”.

“Kenny’s critics have done the exact opposite of what they wanted. They have caused everybody to rally around him.

“But look, everyone knows it has to happen but we need to get a budget over the line first. I have made that very clear to the Taoiseach.”

Kerry TD Brendan Griffin is the only Fine Gael TD calling on Mr Kenny to stand aside after the Dáil's summer recess.

However, several others, including Louth TD Fergus O'Dowd, Carlow-Kilkenny TD Pat Deering and Clare TD Joe Carey have called for him to make his intentions known.

Issue

Mr Carey said the Fine Gael leader must draw a line under this issue and answer the questions asked by some members of the parliamentary party.

He said: “It is incumbent on the Taoiseach to come out and put his case forward.

“He will have reflected over the last few days and I think he needs to come out with a strong position about what is best for the party and the country.”

The party will meet again tomorrow, with several TDs expected to raise the ongoing controversy.

However, the majority of the party criticised Mr Griffin for calling for Mr Kenny’s departure.

Minister of State at the Department of Defence Paul Kehoe said the comments were "unhelpful" and "ill-advised".

Minister of State at the Department of Health Catherine Byrne also questioned the loyalty of Mr Kenny's critics.

She said: “Changing leaders in this difficult time is crazy. I don’t know what people’s agenda is. I am bewildered by them.

“I am sick of them. I would judge their loyalty to Fine Gael more than anything else.

Honourable

“Leave the man alone and let him get on with his job. Give him the space to do it and give him the privilege of stepping down when he chooses. He is a good honourable guy.”

Minister for Finance Michael Noonan and Minister for Health Simon Harris also criticised those calling for Mr Kenny's resignation.

Mr Noonan said his critics were the “very same people who unanimously endorsed him for the office of Taoiseach and unanimously endorsed the programme of government”.

Plans to table a motion of confidence in Mr Kenny at the meeting tomorrow have been abandoned.

Several TDs felt it could be divisive, while others admitted it could backfire on those tabling the proposal.

Speaking in Co Mayo yesterday, the Taoiseach addressed the calls for his resignation.

Mr Kenny said it was his objective to deliver on his mandate and secure the future of the country.

Diverted

He said: “I have no intention of being diverted from that work that I have undertaken and for which I have received a mandate to fulfil.

“That is my focus and my focus is entirely on the future. For those who might be interested I will not be diverted from that task and that duty and that responsibility which is the mandate given to me by the people.”