Kildare TD issues statement on Kenny's future as Taoiseach looks set to leave next month

Fine Gael Party Chairman Martin Heydon has released a statement regarding the future of Enda Kenny, hinting that the Taoiseach will leave office after his annual trip to the White House for St Patrick's Day next month.

Mr Kenny has been embroiled in a power struggle as the head of the party in the last fortnight following the fallout from the Garda whistleblower scandal, with Simon Coveney and Leo Varadkar the two most prominent figures in the party likely to take the reins.

The beleaguered Taoiseach came out fighting at last night's parliamentary party meeting however, stating that he will not address his future as the leader until he returns from his trip to the US, while Deputy Heydon's statement also pointed to the work that has been done by Mr Kenny since he gained power and the international challenges that now lie ahead for Ireland.

“The Taoiseach has addressed this issue and he will tell us of his intentions after his trip to the US next month," the statement began.

“He has already said he will not lead Fine Gael into the next General Election. He reiterated that position again tonight (Wednesday). He has told us he will outline his intentions effectively and conclusively shortly after his return from the US.

“Fine Gael continues to focus on the important work of this Government with our coalition partners. Our motivation is the people of this country and the issues that matter to them. We continue to focus on implementing the Programme for Government,” Deputy Heydon said.

“Over 200,000 jobs have been created since 2012. Employment has dropped from more than 15pc to 6.8pc last month. We are now on course to achieving full employment which is remarkable considering where we were six years ago.

“There are international challenges coming with the United Kingdom leaving the European Union and a potentially changing European frontier. We are concentrating and working night and day on these issues. Fine Gael’s work continues,” Deputy Heydon added.