18/06/2010

Victorious Kenny Celebrates Vote Success

Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny was last night celebrating after his victory in yesterday's confidence vote.

Mr Kenny won the backing of a majority of the party's 70 TDs, MEPs and Senators, some 45 of which made contributions during the meeting. Fine Gael has refused to reveal the margin by which the confidence motion was carried.

Speaking outside Leinster House following the meeting, Mr Kenny said the exercise had been "very constructive" and "very well meaning".

He said he was "thrilled and very relieved" the motion was carried and that he hoped this was the end of any tensions "that may have been building up" in Fine Gael.

"We move on from here as a completely united party even though we had a vote on this issue. Our priority now is to have a general election as soon as possible, to have our party move forward - address the issues, concerns and anxieties that affect the Irish people in a country that is almost bankrupt," he said.

The former Deputy Leader Richard Bruton, who led the challenge against Mr Kenny, said the decision of the parliamentary party had to be respected and that it was now up to the members to unite behind Mr Kenny as leader.

However, a number of Mr Kenny's opponents said earlier this week that they would not serve under him if he won the vote but some former 'dissidents' are sure to find their way into the new shadow cabinet, although any announcement may have to wait until Mr Kenny has reviewed the situation.

(BMcC/GK)

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