Fine Gael pins election hopes on senators as up to nine TDs not running

Leo Varadkar expects more senior members of the party to depart from national politics

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar thinks one or two more party members will step down.

Fine Gael is pinning its hopes on electing senators to the Dáil to make up for the loss of up to nine sitting TDs before the next general election.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has admitted that he expects more senior members of the party to depart from national politics following the announcement of TD Richard Bruton this week.