Kenny wants rebel Bruton back on his front bench

FINE GAEL leader Enda Kenny has said he wants the failed rebellion leader Richard Bruton back on his front bench.

Asked if he wanted his former finance spokesman to make himself available for a new role, Mr Kenny said an unequivocal “yes”.

However, he would not indicate what job he had in mind or whether he would bring him back immediately.

Mr Kenny invited all those who took part in last week’s party schism to reapply for their old jobs. He said if those who tried to oust him were willing to return he would consider them when he announces his new team next week.

“If they feel that they can make a contribution to the front bench I will consider all of these opportunities for them,” he said.

Mr Kenny had left the door open for a number of people to return, but he is still expected to leave the majority of those who undermined his position out in the cold.

However, his unambiguous reaction on last night’s The Week in Politics will heap pressure on Mr Bruton to prove he is willing to prioritise unity in the parliamentary party and row back on his previous vow never to serve under Mr Kenny.

After his defeat on Thursday Mr Bruton said spokesperson roles were the prerogative of the party leader.

Three days earlier he had said it would be hypocritical of him to work for Mr Kenny having already declared he had no confidence in his ability to lead.

The Dublin North Central TD did not make himself available for comment last night.

Throughout today Mr Kenny will be at close quarters with some of the key players in the rebel plot as a party delegation travels to Northern Ireland to meet leaders of the Stormont Assembly and the Northern Ireland secretary Owen Paterson.

The delegation will include Mr Bruton’s strategist Brian Hayes and Fergus O’Dowd, who was the first front bench spokesman to publicly declare opposition to Mr Kenny.

Donegal TD Joe McHugh, who sided with the Bruton camp the night before the campaign, and Seymour Crawford, who defected from Mr Kenny after earlier proclaiming support, will also travel.

However, Mr O’Dowd is the only member of the delegation expected to be forgiven after his forthright acceptance of the parliamentary party ballot, his restrained criticism of Mr Kenny and, critically, his geographic base in Louth.

However, it is understood the party leader will demand a commitment of absolute loyalty to him as the price for any return by his critics.

And Mr Kenny will promote a number of those who remained loyal to him and publicly backed him throughout the heave. However, the dearth of front bench or ministerial experience among the loyalists is a concern for the party.

It is expected Mr Kenny will reach out to former leader, Michael Noonan, to bolster his shadow cabinet and more than likely he will become finance spokesman. Mr Noonan has indicated his willingness to rejoin the front bench.