Michael Noonan among Enda Kenny backers

Senior Fine Gael figures have rowed in behind Taoiseach Enda Kenny as the party leader quashed talk of stepping down anytime soon.

Ministers also dismissed talk of a party motion of confidence in Mr Kenny being launched this week, to counter any revolt by TDs, amid fears the party could now become divided.

After four and a half days of questions about how long Mr Kenny was going to remain on as leader of Fine Gael, disgruntled backbenchers stood down their half-hearted heave yesterday.