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Government business stalls amid Fine Gael leadership questions

Inside Politics: Dominance of issue is likely to hasten Enda Kenny’s departure on return from Washington

Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s period in office is coming to a close. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

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Pat Leahy
Wed Feb 22 2017 - 08:13

So what will he do? What will he say to them? And will they be satisfied with it?

These are the questions that will dominate political chatter today.

The "he" is, of course, Taoiseach Enda Kenny. The "them" are the Fine Gael Ministers and TDs who have called time on his leadership.

The "it" is the timetable for Mr Kenny's retirement that he will outline in general, rather than specific terms, at tonight's meeting of the parliamentary party, as Fiach Kelly reports in this morning's lead story.

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Leinster House has spoken of little else in recent days. But since last week, it has all been about the aftershocks and the consequences of the fearful act of regicide that took place last week.

That deed is done now, and it cannot be undone. Enda Kenny’s period as Taoiseach is coming to a close, and until that happens, every other political issue is subordinate to it.

And that is one of the things that will likely accelerate the Taoiseach’s departure when he returns from Washington. That trip, remember, is still three weeks away; by the time it comes round, it will seem like Enda Kenny has already had a lengthy lap of honour.

Yesterday's Cabinet meeting, as we report today, saw little Government business done.

Bus Eireann is lurching toward an all-out strike that could paralyse much of the public transport system. The Government is setting up a tribunal to investigate the actions of Garda management.

Micheal Martin yesterday warned about the Government watching the "Simon and Leo Show" while it should be focused on their jobs. I'll bet Micheal has plenty more where that came from.

Last night on Primetime, Fine Gael backbencher Jim Daly spoke for many when he lamented the prospect of six or eight weeks talking about the leadership of Fine Gael. I expect that view may become more prevalent in the coming weeks.

Daly also spoke for a chunk of middle ground opinion in Fine Gael when he said that he would not countenance telling the Taoiseach that he had to go by a certain date. But he clearly expected the Taoiseach would not outstay the patience of his TDs, either.

Daly and most of Fine Gael do not want to humiliate Enda Kenny, and they do not want to push him out. But as last week demonstrated, they will if they have to.

More on all this at the hotly awaited (oh, yes) Fine Gael meeting, which begins at 5.30pm in Leinster House, later today on irishtimes.com.

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