The Taoiseach's told the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party he will deal with the issue of his leadership "shortly" after St. Patrick's Day.

Enda Kenny made a speech at the gathering behind closed doors in Leinster House this evening.

It had been billed as some form of a showdown meeting, but was more of a damp squib with the leadership issue concluding nearly as quick as it started.

Enda Kenny made a relatively short speech stating that he wanted to go to the White House and would deal with the issue of his leadership shortly after that.

The Taoiseach added that he would deal with it effectively and conclusively, but gave no further details.

There was no further debate on the issue and the meeting has moved on to other issues.