Rebel Fine Gael TDs to defend position at meeting

Fine Gael backbenchers pressing for leadership change are prepared to defend their recent remarks at the weekly parliamentary party this evening.

However, senior Fine Gael sources now expect Taoiseach Enda Kenny will be given space after the meeting, following questions being raised about the timing of his departure.

It has also emerged that Fine Gael ministers are attempting to fix relations with Independent ministerial colleagues after their own recent squabbles.