According to reports this morning the race to become the next leader of the Fine Gael party has already heated up, and early reports suggest the Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar is the clear front runner to take the position.
The race which is now thought to be down to two candidates will reportedly go down to the wire despite Mr Varadkar’s commanding lead.
It is believed that the Social Protection minister already has the backing of a vast number of Fine Gael TDs given his vast political experience.
However reports state that the race is far from over as the Coveney camp believe they can sway the remaining 25 undecided party colleagues which would in turn put him at a distinct advantage.
The news of Varadkar’s lead comes less than a day of campaigning were both candidates claimed to serve the country as best they can and put the people’s interests first.