The fixed smile on Richard Bruton's face in pictures recording Enda Kenny's victory told its own story. After a lifetime building political credibility his naive and ill-fated assault on the leadership of Fine Gael had failed spectacularly.

Neither man met the other's eyes as they raised their clenched hands in a half-hearted attempt to show unity going forward. Whatever happens to Fine Gael and even if he gets a frontbench and later even a cabinet position, Bruton's future is limited. Despite the assurances of friendship he will never be trusted by Enda Kenny again.

Whether Richard Bruton would have been a better leader is unknown. What is certain is that Enda Kenny was prepared to pay the higher price. His survival strategy demonstrated last week that he has strength, purpose and passion. If he wants to lead the country he must show these qualities with consistency over the coming months.