Varadkar and Coveney adopt different stand on Fine Gael leader succession

The two most likely successors to Taoiseach Enda Kenny are split on how to remove him from power.

Leo Varadkar is seeking a clear two-month departure timeframe by this Wednesday, while Simon Coveney is calling for an orderly plan after next month’s White House visit.

As the battlelines are drawn in the fight for internal party support, Housing Minister Mr Coveney said Mr Kenny should be allowed to meet US president Donald Trump in Washington DC on March 17 before any process to replace him begins.