Fine Gael deputy leader James Reilly feared he would be sacked after taking on the Taoiseach over the issue of abortion.
The Sunday Independent reports that the Minister for Children faced down the Taoiseach three times during a stormy meeting on the issue.
Enda Kenny announced this week that a Citizens' Convention will be established within six months to debate the repealing of the 8th amendment if he is re-elected.
However, the paper reports that the decision was only taken after he was faced down by Dr Reilly - who was supported by Ministers Frances Fitzgerald and Paschal Donohoe.