Enda Kenny: No plans to step down as leader

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has hit back at calls to lay out a timeline for his departure as Fine Gael leader, claiming now is not the time to “mess around with political parties”.

It comes as a small number of backbench TDs have privately indicated that they would consider withdrawing their support if Mr Kenny does not make the details of his departure known before the end of the year.

Speaking at the party’s think-in in Newbridge, Co Kildare, Mr Kenny said he has “no intention of walking away” from his mandate.