Enda Kenny faces pressure to shake up FG’s senior ranks

With sweeping changes now certain on the Labour side of the Cabinet, Taoiseach Enda Kenny is facing pressure from Fine Gael TDs to implement a much more extensive cabinet reshuffle than planned.

Joan Burton, the favourite to win the Labour leadership, has pledged radical changes in her party’s cabinet team. A victory for her rival Alex White would also lead to big changes in the Labour team.

Fine Gael TDs are now clamouring for a radical reshuffle to demonstrate to the public that the party has learned the lesson of the election drubbing.

“Labour has changed its leader in response to what happened. We also have to show that we have got the message and that means serious changes,” said one senior party figure. “Most important of all it means a new Minister for Health and new Fine Gael faces around the table.”

Prospects

However, Fine Gael Ministers downplayed prospects of tension between the Coalition parties as a result of the Labour leadership contest.

“There will obviously be a bit of posturing by leadership contenders, but I think it is significant that Joan Burton has committed herself to the 3 per cent deficit target for next year and that is what counts,” said a Fine Gael Minister.

Ms Burton did question the necessity for an adjustment package of €2 billion as outlined in the economic recovery plan, but sources in both parties pointed out that the percentage target was the one that really mattered.

Last year Eamon Gilmore insisted that the initial plan for an adjustment be reduced from €3.1 billion to €2.6 billion on the basis that the lower figure would be enough to meet the deficit target of 5.1 per cent.

Nominations for the Labour leadership and deputy leadership positions will close at noon tomorrow.

There is still speculation that Kerry TD, Arthur Spring, will enter the leadership contest against Ms Burton and Minister of State for Health Alex White. He is due to make an announcement today.

If Mr Spring (37) runs, he would be offering the prospect of a handover to a new generation which has been called for by many in the party. The fact that he is in his first Dáil term and does not have any ministerial experience is likely to handicap his leadership bid.

There are three candidates for the deputy leadership, Junior Ministers Alan Kelly and Sean Sherlock and Cork South West TD Michael McCarthy.

Waterford TD Ciara Conway is to make a statement at 12pm today which is understood to be in relation to the deputy leadership.