Simon Coveney: There will 'absolutely not' be an immediate push against Taoiseach
Housing Minister Simon Coveney has ruled out an immediate attempt to oust Taoiseach Enda Kenny from office, .
On Wednesday, outspoken backbench TD John Deasy said at least "10 to 15" members of the parliamentary party now want Mr Kenny to step down.
While suggesting the issue "will come to a head before the end of the year", the Waterford TD said he believes the Taoiseach would survive a no confidence motion at this stage and that it is likely any push will take place by spring or summer next year.
Although a number of TDs criticised Mr Deasy's decision to express his view just days before a vital budget, a number - including politicians previously uncritical of Mr Kenny - said it is time for their leader to step down after the budget.
In particular, one middle-ground TD said he will give Mr Kenny just two post-budget opinion polls to rescue his position, while another said by early next year other TDs will act when they realise the Taoiseach "has no intention of going anywhere".
Speaking on RTE Radio's News at One programme yesterday, Housing Minister Simon Coveney - who is widely seen as one of the most likely potential successors to Mr Kenny - said he believes the Taoiseach remains focused on "stabilising this Government".
The Cork South Central TD said there will "absolutely not" be a push against Mr Kenny now, adding he has "faith" in the Taoiseach's ability "to decide when there should be a leadership change".
