ENDA KENNY'S leadership of Fine Gael is unlikely to be challenged in the short-term in the aftermath of poor opinion poll results. This emerged yesterday, as speculation about Mr Kenny's future continued.
Although a significant number of Oireachtas members have privately not given up on removing Mr Kenny, there is little enthusiasm for a direct challenge to his leadership following last June's unsuccessful attempt to replace him with Richard Bruton.
Party sources said a number of Mr Kenny's opponents believe that senior long-serving TDs, who have supported him in the past, should now go to him privately and suggest he stand down.
"This will not happen unless we reach a doomsday position in the opinion polls," said a Fine Gael source. "And I do not think that will happen. Labour is now under increasing pressure to come up with where it will save money in government and that might take the heat off us for a time."
Mr Kenny has insisted, in a number of of interviews, that he does not intending relinquishing the leadership in any circumstances.
Carlow-Kilkenny TD Phil Hogan, a key supporter, said yesterday it was outrageous that certain media organisations were seeking to derail Fine Gael and its leader at a time when the country was facing its worst economic crisis ever and Government policy was in tatters.
"The leadership issue was resolved last June, and it is now time for an end to soundbites and whispering campaigns," he added.
"The emphasis should be on banking policy and getting people back to work."
Two senior TDs, who opposed Mr Kenny in the June heave, yesterday backed his leadership.
Dublin South West's Brian Hayes said: "I do not see another heave, full stop. Enda Kenny will lead Fine Gael into the next election."
Mr Hayes said the party should face its difficulties in a collective way.
Laois-Offaly's Charlie Flanagan said that the leadership issue had been dealt with and the party's energies should now be focused on replacing the Government.
"That will require a positive contribution from every member of the parliamentary party," he added.
Some party sources say that Mr Kenny continues to have the backing of the majority of the 70 TDs, MEPs and Senators who decided his fate last June.
