No links with Flannery, says Varadkar

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has insisted ex-Fine Gael adviser Frank Flannery is not working with him “on the side” about his future prospects, saying he has grown “very close” to Taoiseach Enda Kenny in recent months.

The long-mooted internal rival to the current Fine Gael leader made the remarks during a Today With Marian Finucane panel discussion also attended by Mr Flannery.

Mr Varadkar — who in recent days has faced his first bout of sustained criticism since taking up the health portfolio six months ago — dismissed suggestions he had sought out the help of My Flannery.