The current Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar is becoming the top candidate to take the Fine Gael leadership role once Enda Kenny steps down.
The news of Mr Varadkar’s surge in momentum comes after his main opponent Simon Coveney said that a future leadership debate could lead to unrest within the party if it is not conducted in the right manner.
Although the current leader Enda Kenny has yet to announce his departure date, both men are in the running to take the leadership role in the coming months ahead.
Speaking over the weekend Mr Coveney responded to Mr Varadkar’s previous comments that seen him requesting that any future leadership debate should be televised, Mr Coveney claimed that a protracted debate could cause an unhealthy divide within the party that would in turn benefit no one.
However those in the Varadkar camp firmly believe that their man currently has the upper hand given that he has the backing of a number of high profile party colleagues.
Speaking about Varadkar’s chances a well placed source close to the Social Protection Minister said the following: “We’re confident of the numbers. It’s looking very good at the moment. The momentum is with Leo.”
“Leo’s asked anybody who has made up their mind to try holding off for as long as possible until there actually is a vacancy, out of respect to the Taoiseach.”