The Fine Gael leadership race may be a two horse race but the Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar has remained as confident as ever ahead of tonight’s leadership debate with his rival Simon Coveney.
Mr Varadkar who was speaking earlier today said he does not believe he will lose any support from his party colleagues as he attempts to succeed Enda Kenny.
The former Health Minister’s remarks come after his rival Mr Coveney claimed that he could indeed in fact persuade some of his rivals supporters to switch side during tonight’s debate.
However Mr Varadkar remained as adamant as ever saying he fully believes that he has all the support he needs and the vast majority of his supporters won’t be swayed no matter what Mr Coveney tells the onlooking conference later tonight.
Mr Varadkar said: “I do not think I need to reassure my supporters. I will do what I always do with TDs, Senators and councillors and MEPs is to be available and to talk to them regularly.”
The war of words comes as the two candidates are expected to address over 800 party representatives later this evening.