Kenny has proved his worth as party leader, claims Bruton

FINE GAEL leader Enda Kenny has “proved his steel”, according to the party’s former deputy leader Richard Bruton, who led the failed heave against Mr Kenny.

Mr Bruton, who was brought back to the party’s front bench and appointed spokesman on enterprise, jobs and economic planning on Thursday, insisted he had a strong relationship with Mr Kenny.

“I believe Enda Kenny has proved his steel in that he has won this successfully. He has given to me what I believe is a very important role,” he said.

“We have always had a very strong personal relationship. In my view it was business; what happened was business. It was a professional decision that I took and it has proved unsuccessful.”

Speaking to Seán O’Rourke on RTÉ Radio’s News at One yesterday, he said the party had decided it had confidence in Mr Kenny’s leadership.

“Things have changed, we’ve had time to reflect. I’ve spoken to all of those who supported me. I’ve listened to widespread opinion in the party and the consensus view is clearly that I should participate, I should support the development of an alternative to this Government.”

Mr Bruton said he also consulted with his constituents in Dublin North Central since he was sacked by Mr Kenny. “Almost universally they wanted me back in the saddle.”

He denied saying Mr Kenny did not understand economic matters but rather that “there was an issue with the capacity to persuade”. Mr Kenny had recognised this, and put in place a strong economic team. “I’m still a strong element of that.”

Mr Bruton said his replacement as finance spokesman, Michael Noonan, would bring “experience and wiliness” to the task. “Leo will be there”, he said, in reference to Leo Varadkar, Fine Gael’s new spokesman on communications and natural resources.

Asked about the rebels who were not asked to return to the front bench, Mr Bruton said he felt for them.

“I took this initiative, they put their neck on the line, and I feel let down for them “At a human level, of course it’s tough.”