Kenny 'Shaken' As George Lee Deserts

Enda Kenny's position as leader of opposition party Fine Gael has been thrown onto shaky ground after the shock departure of former broadcaster and journalist George Lee from the party.

MR Lee announced his resignation from Fine Gael and Dáil Éireann after only eight months in office with immediate effect.

The former RTÉ economics editor was elected to the Dáil in the Dublin South byelection last June. In a brief statement yesterday morning, Mr Lee said that, despite his best efforts, he has had "virtually no influence or input" in shaping Fine Gael's economic policies during a period of enormous economic upheaval. He said: "When I entered politics last May I made it clear that I was doing so because I wanted to try to play a new role contributing to economic policy formulation."

The startling announcement has left an uneasy feeling throughout the party, and speculation is mounting that the party's deputy leader Richard Bruton could potentially vie for a leadership contest.

In a statement released this morning, Mr Kenny said he was "greatly saddened" at George Lee's decision.

“As part of our economic team George was due to attend the OECD later this week together with a senior Fine Gael delegation. Regrettably that, and other developments, will not now happen after George's decision today. While I regret his decision I would like, on a personal level, to wish George and his family well in the future,” the opposition leader said.

Meanwhile, the Government party Fianna Fail have described Lee’s resignation as a "shock to the people of Dublin South today".

Spokeswoman Maria Corrigan said: "Politics is a difficult career path and never more so than now with the current difficulties facing the country. Progress at times can be difficult and slow, but it is possible to make a difference.

"George is a bright person and he had a contribution to make. But it appears that Fine Gael is not an inclusive party.

"They have already been dismissive of former esteemed party leaders Alan Dukes and Garret Fitzgerald, and now George. It's clear that Fine Gael has no genuine interest in economic policy.

"I wish George and his family well for the future."

(DW/BMcC)