Kenny, Enda

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Enda Kenny (ĕn´dä), 1951–, Irish politician. After teaching primary school, he was elected to the Irish parliament in 1975, winning his late father's seat and becoming the body's youngest member. A member of the Fine Gael party, he served as minister of tourism and trade (1994–97) under Prime Minister Bruton. Kenny became party leader in 2002 and set about rebuilding Fine Gael. After Fine Gael won a large plurality in 2011, Kenny formed a coalition government with the Labour party and became prime minister. He also served as acting defense minister in 2014.