According to a new opinion poll the current Minister for Housing Simon Coveney is the favourite to take over from current Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny as leader, if he decides to step down.
In what will be a controversial month ahead, it is understood the vast majority of Fine Gael supporters would be in favour of Mr Coveney taking the role over closet rival Leo Varadkar.
The Irish Times/MRBI poll states that 49% of Fine Gael supported would choose Mr Coveney, whilst only 44% would support the Social Protection Minister.
