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LEO VARADKAR IS leading the pack slightly in the race for the Fine Gael leadership.
In a new Sunday Business Post/Red C poll published today, Social Protection Minister Varadkar is on 29%, with Housing Minister Simon Coveney on his heels at 27%.
Here’s how those polled felt about the other possible contenders:
Varadkar has been minister for transport, health, and now social protection, and received praise in the past for publicly defending whistleblower Maurice McCabe.
His transparent and frank way of speaking, as well as frequent media appearances have shown him to be popular among voters – although this poll shows that hasn’t won him much of a lead.
Simon Coveney, a previous minister for agriculture and Cork native, has won favour for working on issues within the rural community. He has also been tasked with tackling the housing and homelessness issues in Ireland.
Speaking today on RTÉ’s Marian Finucane Show, Varadkar said that it was important to remember that there was no leadership contest launched, and he apologised to the public that they would have to listen to political rumours about it for the next six weeks.
A fellow panellist quipped that he could cut that time frame short if he wanted.
He added that he and Coveney didn’t agree to back down in demanding Enda Kenny give a timeline for stepping down, but they did agree the party needs to be united no matter who is elected.
The two of us are very determined that whatever the outcome that the party is united [after the result].
He added that a new poll showing support for the parties, which saw Fine Gael remain on 24% despite the garda controversy in recent weeks, was a relief for the party.
“We tend to do better in Red C Polls than in other polls, but the poll is reassuring for the party. At 24%, we’re only one [percentage point] lower than the election result.”
Taoiseach Enda Kenny told a parliamentary party last week that he would give a timeline for his departure after returning from his visit to the White House for St Patrick’s Day.
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What a bunch of morons out there this morning.I think ye are all jealous of our beautiful county with our great tradition of music,hurling,politics ,even Donald Trump likes us. Have a good day
LOL
I’d rather live in Syria or Ukraine than that little worthless bog you call Clare
Wow..Your uneducated and an idiot..that is some going…
The Wild Atlantic Way has lived up to its name over the last couple of months. The winter storms have been reshaping the coastline all along the West coast. Here in Co. Clare the tourism infrastructure has been badly damaged, but that won’t stop Clare being open for visitors this year. Voted the best place to holiday in Ireland. Come see why ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Anftlby4gSE
If heavens not in clare its not any where, ….see ya soon,
With a bit of luck the Atlantic will swallow the kip up one day
I’m surprised you got the “Atlantic” bit right due to your lack of intelligence…your mammy must be by your side therefore
Would it not be cheaper just to let Clare County go altogether. Move everyone out and house then in the ghost estates in other counties. Maybe just maintain two roads into the county – one that leads to the Aillwee Caves and the other to Shannon Airport. It could save a fortune on County Councillors. Plus the fantastic hurlers could improve hurling standards in their new counties. It’s a win-win really.
Its basically co Limerick anyway
You are a clown
Move them to Cork, detach Cork from the rest of the country, Bob’s your uncle.
I guess that’ll be an increase on LPT so.
And a hike at the car park at the cliffs.
Co County? Hahaha
I wonder how the family family feel about this?
Ahhh. They fixed it. The headline said Co County earlier.
We need €36 million we get €16
Oh yeah great job.. Not!
If this was on the east coast it would be a different kettle if fish
I’m sure that €36m was over-stated to begin with – don’t forget the €16m doesn’t include a further €6m for Doolin.
@ Angela
What do you expect there is nothing in that boring little town that is worth investing in
The whole of Clare isn’t worth that much
Steve,your last name is bang..the mother jokes must have been good at school…:)
Just buy a million worth of sand and throw it around a bit. Sorted.
If there was no property tax there would be no funds for this work. Excellent planning by the government yet again :)
What a beautiful county. Well done
Oval reps like Michael McNamara for fighting for decent allocation.
The place is a kip
Has nothing going for it
Bit like you then
Best bet would be to just write it off and get a new one.
Alot of money put in that you will never get back
Leave the muck savages to fix it themselves
N
have your say