Successors prepare as likely date for Kenny’s exit looms
FINE Gael leadership contenders are intensifying their preparations for a contest as they believe the retirement of Taoiseach Enda Kenny is imminent.
Government sources said last night they believe Mr Kenny will step down in early May after the visit of Prince Charles and a convention of the European People’s Party in Wicklow.
Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney are considered the only realistic contenders for the leadership.
It was revealed by the Irish Mail on Sunday earlier this year that Health Minister Simon Harris is backing Mr Coveney. He was the first to declare for a candidate.
It was reported this week Mr Coveney has held meetings with a campaign team that included Mr Harris.
Supporters of Mr Varadkar, who is considered a slim favourite, say they are not holding formal meetings yet, but that Mr Varadkar conducts much of his own canvassing. They also said he has no ‘kitchen cabinet’. His advisers Nick Miller and Brian Murphy are his main supporters in his campaign.
The Taoiseach’s supporters and the candidates agree that Mr Kenny, after securing significant successes for Ireland at yesterday’s EU Brexit Summit, will step down soon after May 12.
He has been invited to address a major meeting of the European People’s Party – to which Fine Gael is aligned – at Druid’s Glen resort on May 11 and 12.
EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier will also attend the meeting where Brexit will dominate the agenda.
A minister said last night he believed a new leader will be in place before the July recess. Meanwhile if Mr Kenny does not announce his departure before a July 1 review of Fine Gael’s membership numbers, it is likely to suit Mr Varadkar since it is expected, in line with ongoing trends, that any updated register of members will show a sharp decline in rural numbers.