James Reilly sacked as deputy leader of Fine Gael by Enda Kenny following eighth amendment stance

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs James Reilly was forced to abandon his ministerial car after it was surrounded by protesters.
Mr Reilly had to be given a Garda escort out of Bluebell in west Dublin yesterday evening when he was advised that returning to his car might provoke a serious incident. — Minister for Children and Youth Affairs James Reilly was forced to abandon his ministerial car after it was surrounded by protesters. Mr Reilly had to be given a Garda escort out of Bluebell in west Dublin yesterday evening when he was advised that returning to his car might provoke a serious incident.

placeholder image — Minister for Children and Youth Affairs James Reilly was forced to abandon his ministerial car after it was surrounded by protesters. Mr Reilly had to be given a Garda escort out of Bluebell in west Dublin yesterday evening when he was advised that returning to his car might provoke a serious incident.

An Taoisach Enda Kenny has replaced James Reilly as deputy leader of the Fine Gael political party in a shock move that is seen as a retaliation to the former Minister for Health's stance on the eighth amendment debate.

Reilly lost his seat in the General Election in February of this year, though he was one of a number of former TDs who were appointed to seats in the Seanad on the back of losing their seats.

However, Reilly spoke about the need for a referendum to repeal the eighth amendment last year, and the Irish Independent state this as the reason for Reilly being stripped of his deputy leadership in the party.

"No, James is not the deputy leader of the party. Obviously, he was the deputy leader and he did a very good job," remarked Enda Kenny.

The eighth amendment issue has been one of the main talking points in the news this week, and Kenny also had his say on the matter, but distanced himself from taking any particular stance on the pro-life debate.

"This is something that is so traumatic and sensitive and personal for some people and families," he said.

"It has divided Irish society for a long time. I myself have struggled with this. It's a profound issue," continued Kenny.