Triumphant Kenny shows his power

ENDA Kenny wrested back control of his party with a ruthless show of strength on the plinth outside Leinster House.

An hour earlier the majority of his colleagues voted confidence in his ability to lead the party and, in a calculated speech, he accepted their endorsement and vowed to set his sights on winning the next General Election.

Surrounded by a scrum of deputies and senators – foremost were those who had publicly backed him since the weekend – he also revealed the thrust of an emotional closing address which was credited with solidifying his support at the parliamentary party meeting.