The Taoiseach Enda Kenny is said to be delighted as his reign now seems likely to continue well past the summer.
The now longest serving Fine Gael Taoiseach is secretly said to be thrilled with political uncertainty in the UK and EU.
Insiders in both the Varadkar and Coveney camps are said to be demoralised because the longer it goes on, the more uncertain either of their candidates becomes.
It is possible that a complete outsider such as 30-yr-old Minister for Heath Simon Harris could still steal their thunder.
One thing is for sure, as a Fine Gael insider said; “for now, Kenny is going nowhere”.