Fine Gael

Simon Coveney rules himself out of Fine Gael leadership race

Coveney told RTÉ Six One news that he was informed by Varadkar of his decision to step down in a phone call on Tuesday evening.

Simon Coveney, who has served as deputy leader of his party since losing the 2017 leadership contest, told RTÉ on Wednesday evening that he had made the decision not to stand “some time ago”. Picture: Sam Boal

Simon Coveney has ruled himself out of the Fine Gael leadership contest.

Speaking on RTÉ Six One news, the enterprise minister confirmed that he would not contest any race to replace Leo Varadkar, who announced his resignation as Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach on Wednesday afternoon.

The enterprise minister, who lost the last party leadership race to Varadkar in 2017 despite strong support among party members, had been seen as one of the leading contenders ...