Script hints at Enda Kenny’s departure

Enda Kenny has sparked fresh speculation over when he will step down after a draft version of his speech to a major event last night initially said it would be his last Patrick’s Day as Taoiseach — before the line was deleted entirely from the script.

In his first public confirmation of his imminent departure as head of government, an initial draft of Mr Kenny’s speech to the American-Ireland Fund Gala last night said he would not be in charge in 12 months’ time.

In a reference to Lew Glucksman, a former Lehmann Brothers trader who was originally from Cobh, Co Cork, Mr Kenny was initially due to say: