Bid to set out new policies for Fine Gael

Simon Coveney and Leo Varadkar will this week significantly boost their campaigns and policy suggestions in the race to replace Enda Kenny as leader of Fine Gael.

Both contenders on the weekend flagged suggestions which they hope will offer an alternative to existing problems, as the race to win support in Fine Gael gains momentum.

More party figures have now emerged in both ministers’ teams as supporters, ahead of a expected announcement by Mr Kenny about the leadership of the party this Wednesday at a Fine Gael meeting in Leinster House.