Taoiseach to name Simon Coveney as Tánaiste

The Taoiseach is expected to announce the appointment of Simon Coveney as Tánaiste in the Dáil today.

Sources close to the Taoiseach have said Leo Varadkar recognised the “loyalty and support” given by Mr Coveney in recent days and weeks as the McCabe emails controversy threatened to bring down the Government. Mr Varadkar also believes Mr Coveney has been particularity strong on Brexit as Foreign Affairs Minister.

Mr Varadkar last night confirmed to a meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party that he would be appointing a Tánaiste and Business Minister today, after the resignation of Frances Fitzgerald.