Enda to talk leadership (again)

So there we have it folks . . . Taoiseach Enda Kenny will talk to his party next week about his leadership.

The cynics among us will know that Kenny told his party he would address the issue on his return from Washington in March, and then after the European Council summit in April.

Maybe Kenny will tell his troops he wants to stick around to see the Pope’s visit.

The majority of the party believe Kenny will allow for a contest to begin immediately.

Enda Kenny warns EPP of Brexit threat to NI peace process

---

Michel Barnier: mountain man with big say in Ireland’s fate

---

FG and FF TDs block plan to abolish health cover tax relief

---

Martin blocks motion of no confidence in Minister over Garda Commissioner

---

Either way the contenders were already pounding the pavement last night.

Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar and Minister for Housing Simon Coveney are at the starting line but waiting for the trigger to be pulled.

Initial reports would suggest Varadkar has the support of Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe. But Coveney's camp believe he, too, has some heavy hitters in his pack.

What is emerging is that the contest will be hard fought and potentially very bitter.

Both sides have already begun the briefings, and it is clear that the person who succeeds in becoming Fine Gael leader will have a tough task in sewing the party back together after the contest.

But, as I say, we may have some time to go yet.

It would not be beyond Kenny to keep the pretenders waiting a little while longer.

What’s another year?

Fianna Fáil twists and turns over O’Sullivan

It is quite clear the majority of TDs do not have confidence in Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan.

However, Fianna Fáil turned its attentions to Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald last night.

The party considered tabling a motion of no confidence in Ms Fitzgerald for her refusal to remove O’Sullivan from office.

Micheal Martin dampened any expectation of one being moved, however, insisting it would break the confidence-and-supply arrangement and cause an election.

Fianna Fáil has found itself in quite a bind over this.

It has repeatedly expressed no confidence in Ms O’Sullivan yet refuses to support Dáil motions expressing that very point. What the party seems to forget is that it is keeping this Government in office.

If Martin and Fianna Fáil were serious about removing the Commissioner from office, they could act to ensure she is discharged of her duties.

Instead the party seems to want to play the Opposition and remain oblivious to the power it has.

The retention of O’Sullivan poses difficulties for the new Fine Gael leader. It is becoming increasingly clear a new Minister for Justice will be appointed by either Leo Varadkar or Simon Coveney.

Whoever occupies that portfolio or indeed the office of Taoiseach may not share Enda Kenny or Frances Fitzgerald’s patience.

Despite the constant revelations it is apparent O’Sullivan is safe for now.

However, her long-term prospects remain bleak.