Body language of Leo Varadkar's colleagues may hint at their ambitions

While the loss of their leader was item one on the agenda, the six Fine Gael luminaries on the steps of Government Buildings may have had succession on their minds

The six leading lights of Fine Gael with Leo Varadkar during his resignation speech did their job: Show support, look strong, but don’t distract from the speaker. But some may also have been musing about a bid to succeed him. Picture: Nick Bradshaw/PA

The king is dead, long live the king.

As  Leo Varadkar delivered his surprise news he was surrounded by some of the leading lights in Fine Gael, no doubt already doing the maths and figuring out what it means for them or their role in the party.