Simon Coveney team say he has momentum to win leadership contest

Housing minister Simon Coveney believes he now has enough support in the three-part electoral college of Fine Gael to win the upcoming leadership contest.

His campaign team believe “negative spinning” from fellow contender Leo Varadkar, the Social Protection Minister, has helped boost their support. The Housing Minister is also keen to tweak the partnership government deal with Fianna Fáil if he is made Taoiseach.

His team believe electing Mr Coveney would keep the coalition going for a least another 18 months, could boost Fine Gael’s election hopes outside Dublin, and that Mr Coveney has more experience and achievements than his main opponent.