The challenge for Enda Kenny is survival in government. It is essential for his political survival

The irony for Enda Kenny is that his gravest weakness is the narrow social base of his party, writes Gerard Howlin

FINE GAEL is between the cross-hairs of a more acute dilemma than its loss of seats last Friday indicates. Its hold on government is uncertain, though it does have a real chance of being returned to office in the 32nd Dáil. This would be an historic milestone for the party and an achievement under any circumstances for Enda Kenny. However, under the circumstances likely to pertain it may be tarnished silver rather than glistening gold.

The irony for Kenny is that his gravest weakness is the narrow social base of his party. He should understand the irony better than any. The schoolmaster son of a schoolmaster, who has never been fully accepted by the large farmers and professional grandees who make up the mass of its officer corp. Social and intellectual derision hindered his rise as a young man under Garrett FitzGerald. It tugged at his sleeve even after his election as leader in 2002.