‘A man who could grace the highest stage but always had the common touch’ – Feighan
Senator Frank Feighan has paid tribute to outgoing Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny whom he described as a man who could grace the highest stage but always had the common touch. “I have always admired Enda’s many qualities – his strong leadership; his tenacity; his patience and not least his humility. When he became Fine Gael leader in 2002, he successfully rebuilt our party. Under his stewardship, we won back 20 seats in the 2007 election and a further 25 in the election four years later. As Taoiseach, Enda brought the economy and country back from the brink while at the same time providing political stability. I have no doubt that his legacy will be a very strong one and there is no question he is a true statesman both on the national and international stage. He was also a very proud Mayo and West of Ireland man. I am very privileged to say that Enda has become a close friend of mine and I wish him, Fionnuala and his family all the very best for the future.”