Kehoe: I’m a Leo man

MINISTER Paul Kehoe is also throwing his support behind Leo Varadkar meaning that both Wexford Fine Gael deputies are supporting the Dublin man.

Minister Kehoe, pictured below, who has been a staunch supporter of outgoing Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that with the retirement of Deputy Kenny he felt that Minister Varadkar was the best person to lead the party.

He said: ‘Since 2002 I have had the privilege of working with Enda Kenny, witnessing at first hand his energy, commitment and dedication, so vital to the task of rebuilding the Fine Gael party.

‘Faced with the even greater task of rebuilding our country, these same qualities were instrumental to the work of regaining our economic independence and restoring our confidence as a Nation.

‘ Throughout this period the support of his wife Fionnuala and his family was unwavering. With his retirement Fine Gael is faced with a choice and in my view that choice is Leo Varadkar. ‘As minister, Leo has proven his ability to get things done, managing big departments and dealing with sensitive industrial relations disputes. His capacity to build a strong support base is testament to his willingness to work with party colleagues, and will be essential to growing support for the Fine Gael party. ‘He has shown openness and honesty in his personal life, breaking new ground in Irish politics. ‘As the political landscape continues to shift, at home and abroad, his forthright style and ability to effect change, makes him the best placed candidate to deal with the challenges facing us. ‘It is for these reasons that I think Leo is the right person to lead Fine Gael and continue the good work of this Government.’