Simon Coveney: Fine Gael leadership race likely in 'not too distant future'

Housing Minister Simon Coveney has admitted a Fine Gael leadership race is likely "in the not too distant future", despite insisting the issue should not distract Government from existing work, writes political reporter Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney has admitted a Fine Gael leadership race is likely "in the not too distant future", despite insisting the issue should not distract Government from existing work, writes Irish Examiner political reporter Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

The senior cabinet member confirmed the replacement of Taoiseach Enda Kenny as party leader is high on Fine Gael's agenda after a fractious parliamentary party meeting saw TDs lash out at the Mayo TD.