Kenny a weak link as twin threat looms

WHEN Enda Kenny said he was open to the idea of Fine Gael entering a coalition arrangement with Sinn Féin, there was predictable anger – not least from his own Cabinet, with one unnamed minister asking: ‘What was he thinking?’

As usual with the Taoiseach, it is hard to tell. It is quite possible he misspoke. But such carelessness would be further proof that his judgement is increasingly questionable. Or, if he did mean it, then he should have explained why he was open to such a radical departure from his frequently stated position that Fine Gael would never enter such a coalition.

Yesterday, the Taoiseach’s office released what it said was a ‘clarification’ of Mr Kenny’s position and reiterated that long-standing policy. This was no ‘clarification’. It was a U-turn, undoubtedly triggered by the hostile reaction from his own parliamentary party.

As we prepare for the visit by Theresa May for talks on the future of the island post-Brexit, the last thing we need is speculation on Sinn Féin entering government with Fine Gael. That is unavoidable now. Mrs May’s unwavering commitment to a hard Brexit combined with President Trump’s promise to bring US companies back home – with clear implications for the 400,000 Irish jobs that depend on investment from US multinationals – represent a twin threat.

But at present our country is paralysed by inaction and desperate for leadership.

Rumours of heaves to depose Mr Kenny constantly swirl around the Taoiseach these days.

He was rumoured to quit this summer. Then there was talk that he would wait until after the Pope visits in 2018.

Mr Kenny is like the football player who mulls over giving it one more year and makes the mistake of hanging around one season too long. The latest suggestion emanating from Leinster House is that he should visit Trump on St Patrick’s Day, come home and announce that he is hanging up his boots. Sounds like good advice.