Leo planned snap election... but changed his mind

THE Taoiseach was planning a snap general election until senior party strategists told him last Saturday that Fine Gael could not contest such a task credibly in the short time-frame he envisaged, the Irish Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Mr Varadkar’s erratic political strategy during the crisis over former minister Frances Fitzgerald has seen a significant critical rump emerge in the Fine Gael party.

Formerly loyal TDs were openly critical of Mr Varadkar this week after he stood by Ms Fitzgerald until the last moment.

The Tánaiste ultimately resigned under pressure from Mr Varadkar and senior civil servants on Tuesday, just hours before a motion of no-confidence that could have triggered an election.

Sources close to the talks between Mr Varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said ‘it was clear’ that Mr Varadkar entered discussions on Wednesday, determined to lead Fine Gael into an election.

‘But it was clear by Saturday that he had done a full U-turn and was determined to avoid an election. He did not appear to have a particularly well thought-out strategy,’ said the source.

Another Cabinet source added yesterday: ‘There were a number of politicians in the party at senior level that felt that we didn’t want a general election but if it was going to come to it let us get on with it. The Taoiseach himself articulated that view on the Six One News.

‘He said: “I don’t want an election. I don’t think the country needs an election. I think it would be an unnecessary election.”

‘He said you could argue that if we are to have an election to have a quick, sharp short one.’

However the senior minister, who is close to the Taoiseach, confirmed that there was a strong opposing view in the party.

‘But in headquarters there was a genuine concern that we weren’t going to be ready for a number of reasons.’

Last night, Fine Gael officially denied they weren’t prepared for an election or that the Taoiseach had been so informed last week.