Kenny can’t dodge bullet over Lowry - FG ard fheis fallout

TAOISEACH Enda Kenny long ago recognised that “Paddy likes to know what’s going on” so it’s fair to assume that Mr Kenny accepts that Paddy would like to know what might happen in predictable enough circumstances.

Paddy’s entitlement to know what might happen in a high-stakes stand-off is strengthened if it is a consequence of how Paddy voted. It is not unreasonable, indeed it is the least Paddy might expect, to know if voting one way or another will support or offend dearly held principles.

Over Fine Gael’s ard fheis weekend Mr Kenny was asked at least 11 times if he would rule out seeking the support of former Fine Gael minster-forced-to-turn-independent Michael Lowry if his vote was needed to form a government. Each time he evaded the question. Each evasion made the question more relevant and revealing. Each evasion was also a public challenge to those in his party who so regularly trumpet their deep commitment to “cleaning up politics”. How they respond to Mr Kenny’s sidestepping will be very revealing too. At least three Fine Gael backbenchers say the party should have nothing to do with Mr Lowry or his Dáil vote. Mr Kenny cannot ignore this intervention and must, before election day, clarify his position.