Kenny exposed as key ally exits political stage

Enda Kenny has been left dangerously exposed by the sudden departure of one of his key political protectors Alan Shatter.

Mr Shatter, along with Phil Hogan and James Reilly, formed the praetorian guard that pumped steel into Mr Kenny’s spine in the dark days of the 2010 heave and helped him secure a bruising victory in that battle for the Fine Gael party’s soul.

Mr Kenny’s three most trusted lieutenants mobilised the grassroots, mostly rural sections, of Fine Gael to see-off what they branded a condescending coup attempt by a metropolitan elite led by Richard Bruton.