Kenny: Eamon Gilmore 'a man of integrity, courage and conviction'
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has released a statement on the announcement by Eamon Gilmore that he will step down as Labour leader.
"Eamon Gilmore and the Labour Party have been courageous in making the collective decisions that have pulled Ireland back from the brink of economic collapse and put the country on the path towards recovery," Kenny wrote, thanking Gilmore for his service as Minister for Foreign Affairs.
"He has also been pivotal to the restoration of Ireland’s international reputation which has been crucial for investor confidence and job creation."
"On a personal level, the Tánaiste and I have worked very well together in managing the work of government," he said.
"He is a man of integrity, courage and conviction. He has assured me that the Labour Party remains fully committed to providing stable government, and to the completion of our mandate to fix our public finances and to create jobs for our people."
Earlier, Kenny told reporters he was unaware of the content of Gilmore's statement ahead of its delivery, as he was unable to reach the Tánaiste by phone.
