Enda Kenny refuses to give specific exit date

Taoiseach Enda Kenny will put the “foundations” in place to step down as party leader after the EU’s April 29 Brexit negotiation strategy summit — despite failing once again to give any specific departure timetable.

Mr Kenny made the latest statement on his leadership during a Fine Gael meeting in which he also repeated his view that he cannot leave at a time when Brexit is beginning and the Northern Ireland political crisis has not been resolved.

At the start of last night’s parliamentary party meeting, Mr Kenny addressed colleagues without prompting, to say he had a statement to make about his future.