Enda Kenny’s winning of the confidence motion that he brought before Fine Gael’s parliamentary party yesterday (Thursday) has been welcomed by Senators Maurice Cummins and Paudie Coffey.
Waterford’s three Fine Gael parliamentarians, including Deputy John Deasy, were contacted by The Munster Express in the light of Mr Kenny’s seeing off the challenge laid down by Richard Bruton.
And while Messrs Cummins and Coffey spoke of their satisfaction regarding yesterday’s outcome, Deputy Deasy chose not to comment following a week which Fine Gael will speedily wish to forget.
“What’s gone on over the past few days has been a life experience,” said Senator Coffey speaking en route back to his Portlaw home after yesterday’s dramatic events.
When asked if the split in the party given the rumoured 38-32 vote in yesterday’s secret ballot had revealed an irreparable internal rift, an adamant Senator replied: “No, no, no, quiet the opposite.”
Senator Coffey continued: “I firmly believe that following today’s meeting, which was completely free of rancour and that’s a point I am keen to stress, that Fine Gael has emerged from all of this as a more resolute, stronger and united party.”
Senator Cummins, who had re-iterated his support for Deputy Kenny to the media on Wednesday, stated: “I am absolutely delighted with the result.”
He added: “Enda Kenny has and will continue to do a wonderful job as leader of Fine Gael. He has sacrificed an enormous deal over the past eight years as leader of our party, particularly with respect to his young family.
“I am now looking forward to the day when Enda Kenny will become Taoiseach.”
See The Munster Express newspaper for full story.