Government chief whip Regina Doherty has insisted that she “has Enda Kenny’s back” – despite earlier asking for a timeline for him to step down.

Ms Doherty says she has been a loyal supporter of Enda Kenny since her first election as a Councillor.

Two weeks ago, the chief whip said there would be confusion around Enda Kenny’s position until he gave a clear date for his retirement.

However, today she has denied speaking out of turn against her party leader.

“Let me be very clear on the issue of biting the hand that feeds me,” she said.

“I have been a loyal supporter of Enda Kenny since I was elected in 2009.

“I have defended every decision that he has made because there’s always been sincerity and integrity in the decisions he has made in the last number of years, albeit some have been electorally damaging to Fine Gael as a party, and I will continue to support him.”