Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell says he urged Enda Kenny to quit to prevent a heave

A Fine Gael TD who last week called for Taoiseach Enda Kenny to resign as he no longer has faith in him claims he only made the remark to prevent — and not cause — a no confidence motion in his leader.

Government back-bencher, Alan Farrell, made the comment a week after he urged Mr Kenny to resign for the good of the party and the coalition.

Last week, as pressure mounted on Mr Kenny to step aside due to his handling of the Maurice McCabe Tusla scandal, Mr Farrell said it is time for a new leader of the party: “Unfortunately, I no longer have confidence in the ability of Enda Kenny TD to lead Fine Gael and I believe his position is now untenable.