A masterclass in how to win before a vote had been cast

1 COMING OUT EARLY:

A day after his 36th birthday in 2015, Leo publicly came out as gay during an interview with RTÉ’s Miriam O’Callaghan, leading to headlines the following morning: ‘Varadkar on track to be first gay Taoiseach’.

2 LOVEBOMBING:

As far back as September, Leo spent a weekend meeting TDs in the west and reportedly invited Longford Westmeath TD Peter Burke for a pizza and drinks after a Dublin-Westmeath game in Croke Park. He continued with his ‘pizza and beer’ birthday party text to every Fine Gael TD and senator, inviting them to his 38th birthday bash in the hip Dublin pub Hacienda, which is frequented by Ed Sheeran. The message was signed off by Leo #NoTDleftbehind.

3 BLITZKRIEG:

On day one of the leadership race, nine senators gathered in Buswell’s Hotel next to Leinster House to call him the ‘best man for the job’, debunking briefings that Coveney had the Seanad sewn up. This was followed by the surprise declaration of Richard Bruton. By day three, the vote of two more ministers was the icing on the cake.

4 PRE-GAME:

Before the off, Leo busied himself with policy announcements in his role as Social Protection Minister. He also suggested a TV debate, which he likely knew wouldn’t be allowed, but it made him look fresh and put the question of who is better on TV into people’s minds. His reference to campaign spending restrictions made people think about Coveney’s wealth. These subtle and risk-free moves contrasted with the Coveney camp’s parrotting of Simon as a ‘family man’.

5 LEO STREET:

While Simon posed beside a poster of himself, Leo, with tongue in cheek, brought the press to a street bearing his name and offer them cupcakes with his name on it. It was done with a knowing wink.