Leo Varadkar calls for TV debate as opening shots fired in Fine Gael leadership battle

The opening salvo has been fired in the Fine Gael leadership battle after Leo Varadkar called for a TV debate and took a swipe at rival Simon Coveney about when the upcoming contest will begin.

Mr Varadkar also surprised Fine Gael figures when he signalled he had yet to have conversations with individuals about which ministers might be moved in any Cabinet reshuffle.

He said he was eager for the contest to begin to replace Taoiseach Enda Kenny.