Rural deputies set to back Enda Kenny in next vote

Enda Kenny is close to securing the support of up to 10 Independent TDs after rural deputies held a vote on whether they would back him for taoiseach.

The private meeting of the five rural TDs, held on Tuesday night, was also attended by the two Healy-Rae brothers.

It is understood that Michael Healy-Rae asked the other six non-aligned TDs at the meeting who would vote for Mr Kenny as taoiseach.