Fine Gael TDs pressure Enda Kenny to plan for exit

Fine Gael TDs last night called for Enda Kenny to set out his timeline for stepping down as Taoiseach as early as the summer recess.

Mr Kenny stands badly damaged and weakened after a bruising week and Housing Minister Simon Coveney yesterday said a process of succession must begin “in the not too distant future”.

The other main challenger for the leadership, Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar, confirmed he would “love to lead the party”.