Enda Kenny 'an extraordinary taoiseach, leader and colleague' - Burke

“Enda Kenny was a courageous and passionate leader who showed true strength and leadership skills when this country needed it most,” said Deputy Peter Burke, as he paid tribute to his party leader.

“He was not afraid to take tough and often unpopular decisions for the benefit of the people of this country in the knowledge that we would resurface from dark days with a stronger and more sustainable economy and country.

“He stepped in during one of the worst recessions this country has seen, when we were borrowing more than 50% of what we were taking in, when unemployment was up on 15% and when people were leaving in their droves with no hope.

“Six years on, we are set to balance the books next year, our unemployment is at 6.2% and we have been the fastest growing economy in Europe for the past two years.

“1,500 are returning to Ireland every week. This did not just happen itself, and people have made huge sacrifices to get to where we are today. This could have not been done without Enda Kenny.

“On a personal level, Enda has been very supportive of me and other new members of the Dáil.

“He always makes the effort to talk to people on a one-to-one, he is greatly liked by members and representatives alike and has huge charisma and presence in any room he finds himself in.

“Many are very sad to see him go this week.

“It is time for a change in Fine Gael but there is no doubt that Enda Kenny brought stability, positivity, and energy to this country when we needed it most and I thank him sincerely for his time and service.

“He was an extraordinary taoiseach, leader and colleague and after decades of service to the party and for bringing it back from the verge of extension, we owe him a huge debt of gratitude.”