The Taoiseach says Fine Gael has a challenging year ahead as it looks to translate larger positive economic results into changes to everyday lives of ordinary people.

The Taoiseach said today that the party aims to see that “the big figures of the economy begin to translate into the everyday lives of people.

“That is; more people at work, more job opportunities ... so we’re looking forward to a very challenging year ahead.

Enda Kenny was speaking as the parliamentary party meets ahead of the return of the Dáil tomorrow.

Quizzed Sinn Féin's claim that it is preparing for Government, Mr Kenny said:

“Sinn Féin have always been preparing for government but I they don’t want to accept the responsibility I think.

“Gerry Adams and his party would need to look very carefully at the extent of populism that they’re not beginning to put out there. You can’t promise everything to everybody and not have a strategy to actually deal with it.”

The Taoiseach was also pressed on the rumours of a potential return on Frank Flannery to Fine Gael, and Flannery appearing before the Public Accounts Committee.

Mr Kenny appears to be ruling out a return for his former election strategist who left last year amid controversy over his former role in the Rehab Group and his refusal to give evidence to the Public Accounts Committee.

Mr Kenny was keen to draw a line under speculation about Frank Flannery, saying, as reporters repeated questions about Flannery:

“I’ve dealt with all of that already ... Frank Flannery is a law-abiding citizen and I’m sure he will act within his responsibility.”

Watch the video below, including some bonus footage of the Taoiseach weaving through traffic on foot, patiently waiting for a kindly motorist to take mercy on the leader of the country and allow him cross the road to attend the the Fine Gael meeting.