Enda Kenny to go ‘within months’ even if re-elected

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is likely to vacate his position “within months” even if he is successfully re-elected, it has emerged.

The news comes as the Labour Party appeared to rule out re-entering government, despite a weekend of heavy speculation that it was on the verge of striking a deal. The U-turn has been forced by a strong internal backlash within the party.

The likelihood of a vote for Taoiseach tomorrow remains in the balance, but there was a noticeable increase in the intensity of talks yesterday between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

There was some suggestion last night the vote for Taoiseach could take place on Thursday, should talks conclude successfully.

Mr Kenny’s position as leader of Fine Gael and as the prospective Taoiseach has been an impediment to progress in talks with Independents, but senior sources have confirmed Mr Kenny will not lead his party into another election.

Given the considerable political uncertainty and speculation that an election is very likely within 12 months, plans are being progressed which would see Mr Kenny lead in an orderly fashion, without de-stabilising any new government.

Sources told the Irish Examiner that the timing of Mr Kenny’s departure will be his to decide, but he realises the meaning of the general election result, which saw Labour and Fine Gael lose 56 seats between them.

“There is a realisation that he will not lead the party into the next election and that clearly brings forward the timeline of his departure,” said the source.

“There is a desire to ensure the transition is orderly and does not undermine whatever new government is in place, and there is little desire to repeat the events of 2010.”

Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil held fresh talks in the Provost’s House in Trinity College Dublin last night about how a minority government arrangement would work.

Sources close to the talks said agreement on the mechanics of the arrangement were near completion, but detailed discussions on policy were at an early stage.

These talks agreed a mechanism whereby Fianna Fáil spokespeople will receive ongoing briefings from government departments, a separate protocol for budgets, and improved interactions in the Dáil. While the talks were described as being “cordial and productive”, it is understood that Fine Gael is looking Fianna Fáil support for at least three budgets.

In relation to policy, Irish Water remains the main issue of contention and the sides remain “very far apart” but there is hope discussions could conclude as early as today.

It is understood that the Provost’s House is being made available again today and tomorrow if required.

News: 6