John Deasy claims 10 to 15 Fine Gael TDs back Enda Kenny heave

Fine Gael backbencher John Deasy has claimed at least 10 to 15 Government TDs privately want Taoiseach Enda Kenny to step down, warning the issue will “come to a head before the end of the year”.

The outspoken TD made his first public comments on Mr Kenny’s potential departure after months of increasing speculation, pointedly saying he cannot seek a motion of no confidence “on my own”.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Today With Sean O Rourke as he described the imminent budget as a pre-election “carve up” between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, Mr Deasy said he believes Mr Kenny should either leave or be removed by next summer.

However, he added the likelihood is Mr Kenny will have to be “dragged out of the place kicking and screaming” because he has “bought off” others with committee, minister of state, senator and cabinet roles.

“There are probably 10 to 15 people in the party I know who share my view strongly. After the budget my guess is people will focus their attention, and it could come to a head before the end of the year,” he said.

Asked if he will put down a motion of no confidence in Mr Kenny at an upcoming parliamentary party meeting, Mr Deasy added: “I can’t do it on my own.”

The comments from the backbencher come after months of increasing unrest among Fine Gael TDs.

Mr Deasy said that Mr Kenny’s replacement will either be Simon Coveney or Leo Varadkar, dismissing any possibility of Frances Fitzgerald taking over.

Enda Kenny

While it had been expected Mr Kenny would step down early next year, Brexit and his recent “mojo” comments have led to speculation he is intent on a longer stay.

A number of backbench TDs privately said yesterday while they believe a no confidence motion would fail before Christmas, its chance of success will increase significantly next year when Fine Gael’s middle-ground realise Mr Kenny has “no intention of going anywhere”.

Mr Deasy also heavily criticised Fianna Fáil in its attempts to “throw money” at key voter categories in the upcoming budget.

Hitting out at widespread suggestions that a €5 pension increase will be included in next Tuesday’s plan, he said that the budget is “a complete collapse of decision- making in the national interest” which ignores working families.

“People call them the squeezed middle. They should be called the people who pay for everything,” he said.