Taoiseach Enda Kenny has indicated he will not be standing aside as leader of Fine Gael in the coming weeks despite facing increasing pressure to outline his departure date.
As another senior figure entered the race to replace him, Mr Kenny last night said he would fulfil commitments he has made as head of Government in the next few weeks.
He encouraged Fine Gael members to focus on their jobs rather than his leadership.“We have lots of work for our party to engage themselves in, ministerial portfolios and programmes for Government to implement. That is what we should be about,” he said.
Party figures were last night divided on whether his comments were a holding statement or a definitive position.
The Taoiseach is facing a possible no-confidence motion at his parliamentary party meeting next week and several key Ministers are already canvassing members for support to replace him.
However, he said he was focused on preparing Ireland for the "exceptionally difficult and challenging negotiations" with regard to Brexit.
Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar and Minister for Housing Simon Coveney have attempted to calm backbenchers seeking Mr Kenny's departure within days.
Transition
The two leadership contenders are content for Mr Kenny to travel to Washington for St Patrick’s Day before facilitating the transition.
However, sources close to both say Mr Kenny must make that position clear to the parliamentary party next week.
Sources close to Mr Coveney suggested a 12-week timeframe for Mr Kenny’s departure, which would mean a successor taking over by mid-May. This would allow adequate space between recent controversies and Mr Kenny standing aside.
Meanwhile, Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald is understood to be seeking support to contest the leadership.
It was up to the Taoiseach to decide when he would stand aside, sources close to Ms Fitzgerald said, but confirmed when a vacancy arose she would contest the position.
It is understood she has the support of Minister for Arts Heather Humphreys and two Ministers of State. Minister for Education Richard Bruton has declined to rule himself out.
Support
Those backing Mr Coveney and Mr Varadkar have begun assessing their levels of support.
It is understood senior party figures, including Minister for Finance Michael Noonan and Mr Kenny, are seeking a third candidate to enter the race.
If one does not appear, both are leaning towards lending their support to Mr Coveney. It is understood Mr Varadkar has support from a large number of TDs but Mr Coveney has significant support from Senators.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin also moved to offer reassurance to Fine Gael last night, saying his party would honour the confidence and supply agreement irrespective of who is leader.
It came as Ms Fitzgerald significantly widened the terms of reference for the tribunal of inquiry into the alleged smear campaign against Garda whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe.
