Former Fine Gael strategist Frank Flannery believes Taoiseach Enda Kenny would have ideally left his position as Taoiseach straight after the General Election, but circumstances have dictated that it was virtually impossible.

Flannery maintains that the General Election results for Fine Gael were a disaster, but ironically, and perhaps awkwardly, it still left Fine Gael with the most seats in Dáil Éireann.  This meant that as the biggest party, they had to try to put a Government together.

He reckons that like many leaders before him, Kenny is finding it hard to find an effective exit strategy.

He believes the Taoiseach's every move is being unfairly scrutinised, and calls for 'cool heads' to prevail in the party as they manage the present situation - a unique situation where 'new politics' is being tried for the first time in the history of the State.

Flannery also points out that Kenny is well aware that a General Election could be called at any time, and when that's called isn't up to Fine Gael, but seemingly up to the other side of the House.  This is a very difficult context for the Taoiseach to work in.

You can hear the full interview below.