Simon Harris refuses to rule out calling general election before end of year

When pressed if he would rule out an election before the end of the year, Mr Harris said: 'I’m certainly not ruling anything in or out'

Simon Harris is due to be named as party leader on Monday as no other candidates have put themselves forward to replace Leo Varadkar.

Simon Harris has refused to rule out calling a general election before the end of the year, as the Further and Higher Education Minister prepares to take over the leadership of Fine Gael.

Mr Harris is due to be named as party leader on Monday as no other candidates have put themselves forward to replace Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, following his resignation on Wednesday.