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Irish PM says to deal with party leadership next Wednesday

Xinhua, May 10, 2017 Adjust font size:

Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister)and Fine Gael (United Ireland Party) leader Enda Kenny confirmed on Wednesday evening he would deal with the party leadership issue at next Wednesday's parliamentary party meeting.

Kenny made the confirmation while attending Wednesday evening's Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting.

Kenny is widely expected to announce date for his departure as party leader at next Wednesday's Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting.

Last month, Kenny said he would deal with the party leadership issue after the April 29 European Council meeting. He also said there would be an orderly transition in party leadership.

In the 2016 general election, both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail (Republican Party) didn't win an overall majority. Fine Gael then formed a minority government with independent TDs (members of parliament), with party leader Kenny serving as Taoiseach for the second time. Kenny has led the party since 2002.

Currently, a party leadership contest has not officially begun, but Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar and Minister for Housing Simon Coveney are widely considered the two frontrunners in the leadership race. Endit