ENDA KENNY HAS told Fine Gael TDs that he plans to be Taoiseach until at least the end of April.

Speaking to members of the parliamentary party today, Kenny said that he was focused on two key issues – Brexit and the Northern Executive.

He said Brexit was a political challenge and he would address his own future after the European Council on 29 April. That summit will set the negotiating criteria for talks between the EU and UK.

Kenny reiterated his stance that there would be no return to the border of the past. He said he would not be allowing any period of uncertainty and there would be an orderly transition in respect of the leadership.

Kenny’s statements to the party are thought to gone down well, according to sources.

“He outlined his plans and there seemed to be general acceptance, begrudging maybe, but silence from the rebels,” said one.

A poll released yesterday showed Kenny has more support than the two leading pretenders to his crown – Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney – to handle Ireland’s Brexit negotiations.

Speaking in New York after marching in the city’s St Patrick’s Day parade last weekend, Kenny said that his immediate priority is dealing with political instability in Northern Ireland and the uncertainty Brexit would create for Ireland.

With reporting from Christina Finn

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