Varadkar is likely to reshuffle the Cabinet when he resumes taoiseach's office

With a key minister on leave, and several TDs 'knocking at the door' for promotion, Fine Gael leader has a lot of juggling to do

A key point the Fine Gael leader has to consider is that Helen McEntee, above, will be on maternity leave when the transition is scheduled to happen. Picture: Sasko Lazarov

Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar is likely to avoid spilling any blood in his reshuffle later this year, but will seek to move people to different portfolios, senior Government sources have said.

With Mr Varadkar due to retake the taoiseach’s office on December 15, both he and current Taoiseach Micheál Martin have said there will be a reshuffle of ministers as part of the handover.