The deputy leader of Fine Gael has accused some of those criticising his own position as a way to question Enda Kenny’s leadership.

The meeting was barely minutes old last night when the issue of James Reilly’s re-appointment as deputy leader was raised.

Jim Daly, John Paul Phelan, Brendan Griffin and John Deasy urged the Taoiseach to reconsider the move.

Senator Reilly defended his position however and accused some of those present of criticising him as a proxy to questioning Mr Kenny’s leadership.

Junior Minister Catherine Byrne spoke passionately, pleading with colleagues to stick together and telling those who couldn’t be loyal to become independents.

The Taoiseach himself received a round of applause and offered to meet those with issues for coffee.

Shortly afterwards he was seen dining with Pat Deering and Fergus O’Dowd who had been vocally critical of his leadership over the past week.