Lion King Leo roars ahead
45 TDS & senators back Leo Coveney campaign in freefall
WANNABE Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has promised to win the people’s trust as his rival’s campaign was in meltdown yesterday.
The Fine Gael favourite launched his #Campaignforleo crusade to become the country’s next leader in Dublin city centre yesterday.
The jubilant West Dublin TD received a standing ovation as he was supported by 45 out of the 73 TDS and senators, including Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald.
Meanwhile, Housing Minister Simon Coveney’s leadership campaign is in freefall.
Supporters have speculated whether he should pull out of the race rather than face a humiliating defeat as he postponed a planned campaign event in his home county of Cork yesterday.
Officially kicking off his campaign, Mr Varadkar, 38, stated: “If elected as leader of this great party and Taoiseach I will work to honour the public trust, to ensure we govern with integrity.
“I will work to provide a stable Government, I will be willing to compromise and negotiate to make that happen but I won’t compromise on our principles for the sake of power.
“I can offer a new kind of leadership, a new way forward for Fine Gael and Ireland. I have the courage to take us forward as a party and country.”
The Social Protection Minister added he will include rival Simon Coveney in his Cabinet if elected and described his colleague as “an honest, diligent, patient man”, noting: “I wish I had the patience Simon had.”
However, Mr Varadkar would not commit to keeping Health Minister Simon Harris, the only Cabinet minister to support Mr Coveney.
Mr Varadkar said: “Collectively, I think we have a lot to offer and leadership is not about one person.
“I ask for your trust, your endeavour, your support.”
He also praised outgoing Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Finance Minister Michael Noonan.
Mr Varadkar added: “Fine Gael must be a party that wins support from all parts of the country and for people of all backgrounds.
“I want to lead Fine Gael because I want to bring our country forward.
“I want to make Fine Gael a modern, campaigning party and a fighting force once more. A party able to defend our record and also our achievements and policies.
“Fine Gael is now being asked to make a decision about who will succeed Taoiseach Enda Kenny as the next leader.
“With the right leadership we can make Ireland a shining light for all our citizens and a country that provides equal opportunity for all, based on the values of integrity, hard work and respect, and underpinned by sound public finances and a growing economy.” Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald also displayed her support for the minister.
She said: “I’ve known Leo for over 20 years. He is a trusted colleague and valued friend. He has a long-term vision and is a man of integrity.
“He always questions the present, and bravely believes in what is possible for the future of our country and our party.
“Leo is the leader who can renew and communicate our shared Fine Gael values.
“He is the leader who will fight for and articulate those values strongly and inclusively. He has the courage to take us forward and I am so proud to endorse Leo Varadkar as the next leader.”
Minister Michael Ring insisted Mr Varadkar “is the right man for the job at the right time”.
Mr Coveney is determined to remain in the leadership race despite his rival taking the lion’s share of party support.
The election hopeful is expected to set out his stall today with details of his policy priorities.
The nominations for Taoiseach are now officially closed and the new leader will be declared on June 2.
Executive Council spokesman Gerry O’connell said: “Next week both leadership candidates will take part in four regional hustings, ensuring all members of the wider Fine Gael membership have an opportunity to engage in the process of electing the party’s new leader.”
news@irishmirror.ie
Varadkar is the right man for the job at the right time MICHAEL RING DUBLIN YESTERDAY