Enda Kenny joined Pat Kenny live in studio this morning for his first extended interview of 2015.

Pat began by asking the Taoiseach about the attack on Michelle Mulherrin's office which the Gardaí are currently investigating. Mr Kenny commented: "I'm appalled that anyone would attack an office like this."

On a related matter, he spoke about the Presidential protests which occurred last week. He commented: "He [The President] is carrying out his duties....I deplore completely what happened in this incident."

"The people have the right to protest but the President is above party politics."

Speaking about the issue of the new lending rules issued by the Central Bank yesterday, the Taoiseach stated: "I'm glad that the Central Bank have changed ...this is achievable."

"I do think a 10% deposit for first time buyers up until €200,000 is a reasonable striking balance."

"I never again want to see a situation where young couples are walking into the trap of negative equity."

However, on the matter of insolvency, the Taoiseach said that people need to talk to the banks: "If people don’t engage with the banks the issues are never going to be sorted out."

Furthering his point on the banks and on the matter of Anglo Irish Bank, the Taoiseach said: "AIB have returned now to profitability and are moving very much in the right direction."

"Money going into Anglo is dead money."

Pat also questioned the Taoiseach on the Aer Lingus bid from IAG: "I can't comment on this, we're on a period of offer now."

When questioned if he had a sentimental attachment, he stated: "What the Government have to do here, sentiment doesn't come into airlines I suppose.

"It's not the national airline in the way it used to be.

"What we have to do is consider all the implications here. There are constraints upon us."

Speaking about the IMF statement on whether childcare payments should be reduced, Mr Kenny was resolute on the matter: "IMF are entitled to make their comments, the Government makes their decision here."

On the same-sex referendum, the Taoiseach confirmed that he will voting Yes: "Yes I will. 

"This is about love and respect and dignity and tolerance.

"If two people love each other, that's the issue.

"Children are not involved in the referendum here." He stated it was "an entirely different matter."

Finally, on his term in Government, Mr Kenny stated: "My vision for the way ahead is to continue to implement the vision with Labour.

"I see no circumstances in which the Fianna Fail party should be returned to Government.

"We are in a much better position than we were in three and a half years ago.

"We have come a long way in a short time... we are not going back.

"This has not been an easy journey for anybody and the Labour party have made some very difficult choices.

"We want to have the opportunity for our young people to come home.

"It is a very challenging period, it is a very exciting period."

You can listen to the full interview here: