Kenny calls for fresh election after Taoiseach quits

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny is today calling for a fresh General Election after the Taoiseach stands down on May 6.

Mr Kenny made the call this afternoon after Bertie Ahern's surprise resignation announcement.

He said whoever replaces Mr Ahern should call a General Election to seek a fresh mandate from the electorate.

"All of the current ministers in the current Government have defended this Taoiseach on the basis of having done nothing wrong and there being no lessening of the ability of Government to do its work," he said.

"Clearly, that has not been the case and I believe that a new leader should see a mandate and let the people decide what kind of Government they would like."