Impressive Coveney leads pack of Fine Gael leadership candidates

HE may be looking increasingly fraught as the demands of the job of Taoiseach mount but Enda Kenny has few reasons to fear for his grip on the leadership of Fine Gael, even though it is over 10 years since he got the job.

But that doesn’t mean others in Fine Gael aren’t preparing for the future after Enda, particularly if he makes a mess of the introduction of abortion legislation or if the growing public antipathy towards the Government increases.

Fine Gael insiders talk of there being a four horse race when it comes to the identity of the next leader. They admit the party does not have many electorally attractive options. The party may have more seats in Dáil Eireann than at any time in its history but it is not awash with great talent. Those who sit at cabinet are almost always those who harbour the greatest ambitions. But go through the list of ministers and most get knocked off quickly as credible contenders.