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'I've a job to do here': Enda rules out top EU role... again

The Taoiseach said he expects Jean-Claude Juncker to become the next president of the European Commission, but David Cameron is trying to block this from happening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N324AF926wM

THE TAOISEACH HAS dismissed speculation that he could be appointed the new president of the European Commission.

Enda Kenny had ruled himself out of the running months ago, but was put back into the frame following moves by UK Prime Minister to block Luxembourgian politician Jean-Claude Juncker from taking up the role.

Downing Street sources have said that Cameron will force fellow EU leaders to vote on who should head the bloc’s executive body if they try to impose Juncker.

Cameron feels the former Luxembourgian Prime Minister will not heed the backlash voters inflicted in last month’s European Parliament elections, but instead press on regardless with Brussels business as usual.

Speaking on RTÉ’s The Meaning of Life, Enda Kenny said that he could not envisage a scenario where Juncker was not elected President.

Juncker is a member of the European People’s Party, as are Kenny and German chancellor Angela Merkel.

I expect he will be appointed President … I’ve a job to do here and I’m happy and privileged to do that job as Taoiseach.

Also during the interview, which will air on RTÉ 1 at 10 pm today, Gay Byrne asked Kenny about meeting his wife Fionnuala and his religious upbringing.

Kenny said that his family didn’t say the rosary every day, but did attend mass every Sunday.

“It was a house where we went to mass every Sunday, either in the local church or in Castlebar. I observed all the religious occasions, but it certainly wasn’t by any means extreme.”

Cloyne Report

Byrne also asked Kenny about his emotional speech in the Dáil in 2011 following the publication of the Cloyne Report into how church authorities dealt with allegations of abuse in the Cork diocese.

The Taoiseach said he became emotional as he was aware of the fact that ”things could have been so different and things should have been so different.”

He added that American senators and congressmen had told him:

You know something, I wish to God I had the courage to say what you said.

Related: Cameron move to force vote could open the door for Kenny to take EU President role

Watch: One year on: What’s happened since Enda Kenny’s landmark Cloyne speech?

Watch: Here’s a taster of Gay Byrne’s interview with Enda Kenny tonight

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    Mute hide&Seek
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    Mar 5th 2013, 9:06 PM

    how traggic RIP , thoughts are with his family…

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    Mute Bernadette Dunne
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    Mar 5th 2013, 9:14 PM

    Very sad news another industrial accident May he rest in peace and deepest condolences to his family and friends and colleagues. And may his colleague that was with him be given help and support at this time

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    Mute Raymond Depuis
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    Mar 5th 2013, 9:28 PM

    Rip

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    Mar 5th 2013, 9:33 PM

    RIP

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    Mute Emma jane
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    Mar 5th 2013, 10:33 PM

    May he rest in peace the poor man and may his colleague get all the help he needs…., very sad

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    Mute Tom Sweeney
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    Mar 5th 2013, 10:35 PM

    Rest in peace

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    Mute Patrick O Connor
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    Mar 6th 2013, 12:14 AM

    RIP

    What’s the story with the red thumbs here? Shameful.

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    Mute Anne Fitzpatrick
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    Mar 5th 2013, 11:05 PM

    RIP.

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    Mute AdeleM
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    Mar 5th 2013, 11:15 PM

    Very sad news! R.I.P.

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    Mute James Lane
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    Mar 6th 2013, 1:16 AM

    Patrick just goes to show the world is full Od idiots.

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    Mute Daire Calnan
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    Mar 6th 2013, 1:27 AM

    I really don’t think its appropriate to have #cherrypicker as a tag. Can you remove this out of respect for the family. RIP

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    Mute Tom Collins
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    Mar 6th 2013, 1:29 PM

    Awful. My thoughts are with his family

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