Leo Varadkar denies doing deal with Simon Coveney on Fine Gael leadership race

Leo Varadkar has denied he has struck a formal agreement with leadership rival Simon Coveney but the two have had discussions around the future of the party.

Mr Varadkar said he is looking forward to the leadership campaign and wants to “turn Fine Gael into a fighting force again”.

It comes after Taoiseach Enda Kenny told a parliamentary party meeting that he would be dealing with the leadership issue on his return from his St Patrick’s Day visit to the White House.