Fitzgerald not ruled out of Fine Gael leadership race

Tánaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has not ruled out a bid to succeed Enda Kenny as leader of Fine Gael.

The Taoiseach has already said that he will not lead the party into the next Irish general election.

On Wednesday, Mr Kenny told Fine Gael parliamentarians that he would outline his intentions “effectively and conclusively” on his return from a trip to the US next month.

Speaking to RTÉ News, Ms Fitzgerald said she is focussing on her job but would consider her position if a vacancy arises. Her spokesperson told The Irish Times that she would make a decision shortly.

The Irish Times has also reported claims in a leaked WhatsApp message that Ms Fitzgerald is encouraging Health Minister Simon Harris to go for the top party role.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney and Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar are widely seen as the current frontrunners.