Fine Gael dissidents may move against Taoiseach

A number of Fine Gael TDs believe they may have to move against Taoiseach Enda Kenny in order to replace him as party leader, rather than wait for him to depart of his own accord.

Mr Kenny caused surprise at a party meeting yesterday by saying he would “of course” consider another ministerial reshuffle at both Cabinet and junior level next year. His remarks at the two-day Fine Gael parliamentary party gathering in Newbridge, Co Kildare, ahead of the new Dáil term were taken as an indication he does not intend to stand down soon as party leader.

Some backbenchers, such as Carlow-Kilkenny's Pat Deering and Kerry's Brendan Griffin, have recently repeated their position that Mr Kenny must either go immediately or announce in the coming months that he intends to stand down.

Privately, a number of TDs say they may have to instigate a move against the Taoiseach because they believe he is showing no signs of preparing to step aside. One deputy who shares this view estimated about 10 TDs believed a push against the Taoiseach could be necessary, if he does not step aside by Christmas or the new year.

Invincible

One said Mr Kenny risked following a pattern where leaders believe they are invincible and do not answer questions on their future, but in the process cause concern and hasten their own departures.

While there are no firm indications any senior Ministers also believe this to be the case, there was nevertheless surprise among some at Mr Kenny’s suggestion of a reshuffle.

Many Ministers have previously expressed the view, privately, that Mr Kenny should step aside in the months after the October budget.

One said Mr Kenny “won’t be able to” change his ministerial team one more time, indicating a belief the Taoiseach does not have the political capital or strength to risk a reshuffle.

Some allies of the Taoiseach, however, believed Mr Kenny made yesterday’s statement to be mischievous and to tease his opponents, while others were adamant he was fully entitled to carry out another reshuffle. “Of course he can,” said one.

The Taoiseach made his comments on the opening day of the parliamentary party meeting.

“Next year, as I always do, I will consider the question of performance of the Ministers and the Ministers of State and take that into the context of the challenging areas we have to deal with,” Mr Kenny said.

When pressed from the floor of the meeting on whether he saw himself making another reshuffle, the Taoiseach said: “My mandate is not one I am going to walk away from.”