Simon Harris at Simon Coveney meeting despite refusing to back anyone for Fine Gael leadership

Health Minister Simon Harris has refused to be drawn on who he is backing to replace Enda Kenny as Taoiseach, despite reports he has attended closed-doors meetings of Housing Minister Simon Coveney’s campaign team.

While Mr Harris has not publicly declared his support for any candidate in the Fine Gael leadership race, he has attended meetings in recent days outlining Mr Coveney’s likely campaign strategy.

The meetings were also attended by former Fine Gael adviser Ciarán Conlon; Fine Gael TDs Kate O’Connell and Maria Bailey; senator Tim Lombard; junior minister Damien English; Cork City councillor Laura McGonigle; Mr Coveney’s special adviser Caitriona Fitzpatrick; and Mr Coveney’s brother Patrick, who is the chief executive of Greencore.