Coveney: Leadership is about vision, not private issues

Would-be taoiseach Simon Coveney has said he hopes the “commentary” surrounding the Fine Gael leadership contest will be about ideas, vision, and drive rather than any candidate’s personal life.

Mr Coveney said he is not “getting into a formal leadership pitch” until after Enda Kenny confirms his position following the Taoiseach’s March visit to Washington.

“Obviously there are conversations going on within the party, that’s to be expected, but there isn’t a formal leadership contest under way yet,” the Housing Minister said yesterday.