Popular Coveney may get Tánaiste job
THERE was increased speculation in Fine Gael this weekend that Simon Coveney will be offered the position of Tánaiste in Leo Varadkar’s new Government.
The pair met yesterday afternoon, with a spokesman for Mr Varadkar saying: ‘It
was a positive and constructive meeting where they discussed Minister Varadkar’s plans for the party and the country.’
Mr Coveney’s resounding victory within Fine Gael’s membership – he won 65% of the vote – leaves the Housing Minister in a very strong position. As a Cork TD, where a large proportion of Fine Gael members are based, Mr Coveney’s happiness will be vital to a successful Varadkar administration. It is likely he will be offered the position of Tánaiste. But he may also demand a more senior Cabinet post than that which he occupies. However, Mr Coveney is known to be keen to continue his attempts to end the housing crisis. A Fine Gael source said: ‘He will have to be kept happy and he is there to pick up the pieces if Leo slips up.’
Mr Coveney’s successful result with the membership college of Fine Gael also strengthens the position of his most high-profile supporter, Health Minister Simon Harris. Kate O’Connell, the Dublin Bay South TD, is also not out of the reckoning for a junior minister role.