Fine Gael leadership rivals silent on Frances Fitzgerald’s future

The frontrunners to replace Enda Kenny as Taoiseach have failed to disclose whether they would retain Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald in the Cabinet.

Both Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar and Housing Minister Simon Coveney publicly backed the under-fire Ms Fitzgerald yesterday, as Fianna Fáil justice spokesperson Jim O’Callaghan said she should not be reappointed.

However, neither minister was prepared to confirm whether they would return her to office.