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TEN YEARS AGO on Tuesday, Enda Kenny became the 10th leader of Fine Gael.
The party he took over was in a bad place. Previous leader Michael Noonan had resigned after little over a year as leader following the disastrous 2002 general election which had seen the party’s seats drop from 52 to just 32, as rivals Fianna Fáil came within touching distance of an overall majority.
When Kenny beat off competition from Phil Hogan, Gay Mitchell and Richard Bruton in the ensuing leadership contest, the role was seen as something of a poisoned chalice. The party was demoralised, broke and leaking members.
Fast forward ten years later and things have changed for both Enda and Fine Gael.
Here we take a look at the key moments of his career over the past decade.
Elected leader of Fine Gael on 5 June 2002
Losing the 2007 general election
Record results in 2009 local elections
The Fine Gael leadership contest
2011 General Election
The 2011 general election
The Queen's visit to Ireland
President Obama visit to Ireland
Speech on the Cloyne report
Getting a pat on the head from Sarkozy
Sharing a platform with Denis O'Brien
Wen Jiabao and Enda Kenny in China
Winning the Fiscal Compact referendum
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Source: Julien Behal/PA Wire" title="">
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7. 2011 general election
8. seanads and children’s referendum?
perestroka
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