Leo Varadkar warns Fine Gael rebels to back down over Enda Kenny departure

Fine Gael leadership contender Leo Varadkar has moved to quell any immediate heave against Enda Kenny, warning party rebels to back down so the Taoisseach can get on with his work.

The message by the Social Protection Minister will cause some confusion among backbenchers who want Mr Kenny to decide on a date to step aside sooner rather than later.

The issue of the leadership was raised at Fine Gael’s pre-Dail meeting in Kildare last week, where Mr Kenny surprised many by suggesting instead he would assesses his ministers next year. There was speculation on the weekend that Mr Kenny will be given until next May to give up the leadership, one year on since the fragile minority government was agreed.