O’DOWD BACKING LEO VARADKAR

THE leadership race has divided Louth Fine Gael with the party’s top two local politicians each backing a different candidate.

Dundalk TD Peter Fitzpatrick declared his support for Simon Coveney, while Drogheda TD Fergus O’Dowd confirmed he is backing Leo Varakar.

Deputy Fitzpatrick said ‘I have known both Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney for nine years, and they are both ambitious men who worked very hard. But I have gone with my heart, and I will be voting for Simon Coveney.’

He added his admiration for the Cork TD, who he said was ‘ the full package.’

‘Simon has a great range of experience, from his work as an MEP to being elected five times as a TD.’

And despite the polls indicating Varakar has an early lead in the race, Deputy Fitzpatrick said he knew Simon Coveney was ‘upbeat and ready for the job.’

Meanwhile, Fergus O’Dowd publicly declared his support of Leo Varadkar on Friday last, saying: ‘I’m confident that Leo Varadkar is the right person who can lead Fine Gael and Ireland into the next generation of politics. Leo is a person whom I hold in the highest regard, I believe he has the experience, skill and integrity to provide the leadership our country needs and deserves.’

He added: ‘ This is a massive opportunity for us to capture the hearts and minds of the younger generation who have become disenfranchised by the last decade of politics.’