Taoiseach deserves time and space to make decision

Enda Kenny should be given the time and space to decide if and when he is stepping down as Taoiseach and the leader of Fine Gael.

That's the message from both Minister of State for Health Promotion Marcella Corcoran Kennedy and Cllr John Clendennen, who believe that despite the criticism being directed at the Taoiseach for his handling of the Maurice McCabe controversy, he has earrned the right to decide when he steps down.

Minister Corcoran Kennedy says that given the service that the Taoiseach has given to Fine Gael and the country, he 'deserves the respect and dignity to make his own decision when he departs'.

'He's led the party since 2002, after we were defeated so heavily in the election. He has made personal and family sacrifices and has dedicated all of his adult life to politics and deserves an opportunity to do this in his own time.'

While Minister for the Environment Simon Coveney and the Minsiter for Social Protection Leo Varadkar are seen as the front runners in any potential leaderhip contents, Deputy Corcoran Kennedy said that she will not be making any decisions on who should replace the Taoiseach as party leader until a contest is announced.

Cllr John Clendennen also believes that after what the Taoiseach has achieved, he should be given 'adequate time' to decide on what to do.

Cllr Clendennen said that he will wait and see who is running before expressing a preference.