‘Frances Fitzgerald has qualities to be taoiseach’

A Government minister has strongly suggested Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald should take over as leader from Enda Kenny, saying she “demonstrates all of the qualities a taoiseach would need”.

Children and Youth Affairs Minister Katherine Zappone made the remarks yesterday.

She likened the possibility of a female leader of Ireland to the potential US presidency of Hillary Clinton, amid continuing speculation that Leo Varadkar or Simon Coveney are the most likely contenders.