FG issues statement in defence of Kenny's leadership

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has insisted he will lead Fine Gael into the next General Election, and would win it.

The statement from the party - in response to media speculation about My Kenny's political future - said that neither he nor the party would be distracted by "panicked over-reaction by some to one opinion poll" (this week's Irish Times poll which placed Fine Gael second after Labour in popular support).

The statement said Enda Kenny is focused "100%" on the motion of confidence in Brian Cowen as Taoiseach on Tuesday.