Statement from Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny on the sacking of finance spokesman Richard Bruton:
“Over the weekend, I had a meeting and other conversations with Deputy Richard Bruton during which he informed me that he is no longer prepared to support my leadership. I asked him to reconsider his position and to work with me to ensure that Fine Gael wins the next general election.
“As the Dail will debate a motion of no confidence in the Taoiseach and Fine Gael’s motion on the banking inquiry this week, Richard’s decision leaves me with no option but to relieve him of his responsibilities as Deputy Leader and Finance Spokesperson with immediate effect.
“I am assigning responsibility for the Finance portfolio to Deputy Kieran O’Donnell, Deputy Spokesperson for Finance on an acting basis, pending further front bench changes I will announce next week.
“Over the weekend, some unnamed people have done huge damage to Fine Gael through their anonymous comments to the media which has resulted in an opinion poll dominating the news agenda at a time when all our energies should be focussed on getting this Government out of office.
“Among the many huge challenges I faced when I was elected leader of Fine Gael was to heal the deep wounds left from previous internal conflict and leadership challenges. I have worked patiently and sensitively to bind the Party into a cohesive and united team and I am very disappointed that a small number of colleagues are determined to bring Fine Gael back to those bad old days. I am determined that this should not be allowed to happen and I am happy that a huge number of my colleagues in the parliamentary party have publicly announced that they support my continued leadership of the Party.
“As the ongoing media speculation and uncertainty is damaging to the reputation of my Party, I have informed the Chairman of the Parliamentary Party that I am submitting a motion of confidence in my continued leadership of Fine Gael which I hope will be debated and voted on as soon as possible. I understand the Chairman of the Parliamentary Party, Padraic McCormack TD intends to convene a special meeting of the Parliamentary Party on Thursday morning.”