Kenny's Frontbench Decisions 'Held Over'

The Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny is giving his opponents time to reconsider their position by waiting until next week before revealing his new frontbench.

Mr Kenny was speaking in Belfast this afternoon where he is meeting with representatives of the main political parties in Northern Ireland. He is accompanied by a number of colleagues, including two TDs who had voted against him in last Thursday's leadership contest, Brian Hayes and Fergus O'Dowd.

Mr Kenny said he had not spoken to his opponent for the party's leadership, Richard Bruton, but he said people needed time and space to consider the implications.

Mr Bruton has not commented publicly since Thursday when the challenge to Mr Kenny’s leadership was rejected by a majority of the 70-member parliamentary party.

This morning, the Fine Gael leader met Northern Secretary Owen Paterson and discussed the Saville Report on Bloody Sunday and cross-border matters of cooperation in areas such as energy.

Meetings are also due to be held with other party leaders, including the justice minister David Ford.

Speaking ahead of his visit to Northern Ireland, Mr Kenny said he planned to foster continued good relationships, north and south.

"I'm meeting with all the leaders of the political parties to tell them that Fine Gael in government will continue to work in the interests of both communities. I also want to assure the Northern Ireland authorities of our support and co-operation, both in terms of vigilance with new threats from dissiddents and support, in respect of cross border economic developments and other issues, that are of mutual benefit to all our people."

(DW/BMcC)