Jerry Buttimer and Paudie Coffey on board for Simon Coveney

Housing Minister Simon Coveney has received a double boost in terms of declared supporters for his bid to become Fine Gael leader.

Mr Coveney has secured leadership support from Jerry Buttimer, with whom he shares a constituency, Cork South Central. There had been some doubt about whether the senator and former TD would back his constituency rival or go with Leo Varadkar.

A senior source in Mr Coveney’s team said: “He’s on side with us. He’ll admit it when the race begins.”