Paul Hosford: Paschal Donohoe's exit could strain relations between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil

Beyond Mr Donohoe, attention will focus on Simon Harris who, at a time of global uncertainty, now has two by-elections to fight

Paschal Donohoe's (left) ability to maintain a good relationship with Jack Chambers (right) has been widely praised. File photo: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

When Leo Varadkar stepped down as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael, Pachal Donohoe was abroad at a meeting of the Eurogroup, of which he was the chair.

While allies of Simon Harris flooded the airwaves with messages of support, a small cohort held fire. They were waiting to see if Paschal Donohoe would declare. By lunchtime, Mr Donohoe had not yet signalled his intention, and Mr Harris’s momentum was undeniable.