Fine Gael conference - Kenny has everything to play for

WITH barely 18 months to the next general election, significant tremors were felt on the political landscape at the weekend as a rejuvenated Fine Gael flexed newfound muscles so vigorously that its planned marriage with Labour could be jeopardised.

After being massacred in the last Dáil elections, the up-beat Millstreet conference suggests the party now fancies its chances of getting back into power.

But the immediate challenge facing Enda Kenny, the first FG leader for years not to have knives in his back, will be to keep Labour on side after ruling out the possibility of an increase in capital taxation from a coalition led by him.