The current Minister for Housing Simon Coveney has refused to throw in the towel in the current Fine Gael leadership race saying the contest is far from over.
Mr Coveney who is battling his main rival Leo Varadkar said the race to succeed Enda Kenny has just begun and no candidate is certain to take the top position as there could be many twists and turns ahead.
Speaking in Ennis last night the Housing Minister said any talk of his opponents apparent lead would not distract him and he claimed that he is the sort of person who always finished what he started.
However Mr Coveney’s words may only be saving grace in a battle he looks certain to lose as reports suggest the majority of TDs, Senators and MEPs who have declared their support for Mr Varadkar.