A DEFIANT Enda Kenny is on course for a confrontation with his own party - by refusing to entertain any talk of retirement.

The Taoiseach tonight refused to discuss Fine Gael demands for his resignation - instead discussing the many serious issues facing the country.

His position comes despite demands from some TDs to give a timetable for his departure, or else face a motion of no confidence.

But Kenny would not discuss those demands tonight - and insisted he was focused on the negotiations in major issues like Brexit.

Asked about the Fine Gael demands to step down, the Taoiseach listed the packed schedule of important events he had attended today, and was due to attend tomorrow.

He also listed a series of forthcoming foreign engagements, including a trip to meet the head of the European Commission, whose name he could not remember.

Listen to Kenny's comments here: