Shatter ‘was urged to resign by Kenny’ who denies pushing him

Alan Shatter may have been one of the Taoiseach’s greatest defenders but even he learned that politics is a ruthless game.

The former Justice Minister — who had acted as a faithful lieutenant to Mr Kenny — yesterday said he was “encouraged to resign” from his ministerial position by the Taoiseach in May 2014.

The Taoiseach last night refused to comment on claims he pushed Mr Shatter to step down.