PASCHAL DONOHOE

MINISTER FOR PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND REFORM PROS

Donohoe has the most powerful portfolio, Public Expenditure and Reform, which has outstripped Finance. His whimsical public performances mask a shrewd, hardheaded political outlook. Donohoe has publicly excluded himself from the race but those close to him believe he could be persuaded to re-enter. He was observed in the Dáil members’ restaurant moving from table to table on Wednesday night, a strange activity for one who is not running. Taking a seat in the tough Dublin Central constituency won him respect in the party.

CONS

Re-entering the race, using the clichéd tool of ‘having been convinced by supporters to run for the good of the party’, would not look good. His inscrutable style in the Dáil and in interviews makes one suspect he has learned too much off Dublin Central neighbour Bertie Ahern. A cutting yet uncanny impression on RTÉ sketch show Callan’s Kicks has not helped those who are trying to present him as a serious alternative taoiseach. He is said by TDs to have pledged his support to Varadkar in return for control of a reunified finance/ public expenditure portfolio. SUITABILITY 5/10 FOR TAOISEACH