Leo Varadkar hints at interest in leading Fine Gael

Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar has strongly hinted at his interest in leading Fine Gael and of having a vision for the party and the country, ahead of a pre-Dáil conference next week.

His comments are expected to reignite discussion about when and if Taoiseach Enda Kenny should step aside and allow another party figure take the lead.

Asked again yesterday about whether he would go for the leadership, Mr Varadkar said it was not an immediate concern but he did have thoughts about which direction the party and country should go.