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Simon Coveney, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, is to contest the Fine Gael leadership battle.
The former Minister for Agriculture made the announcement this morning after Enda Kenny stepped aside as leader of the party yesterday evening.
Speaking outside Fine Gael HQ, he said that he wants a new vision for Ireland that can unite Ireland.
“Every decision I make will be on the basis of a value system,” he said.
Coveney is the first candidate to declare that he will contest the leadership of the party, with Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar, expected to make his announcement to run shortly.
Among the Fine Gael TDs and Senators present at the announcement outside Fine Gael HQ this morning was Minister for Health, Simon Harris, Minister of State, Damien English and Senator Tim Lombard.
In a further development, James Reilly has stepped down as deputy Fine Gael leader and is to back Coveney for Taoiseach, while Michael Noonan has stepped down from his position as Finance Minister.
Noonan will continue out his duties as minister until a successor is appointed. He confirmed he will not seek re-election at the next general election.
Out of the contest
Coveney’s declaration comes after Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, said she will not be entering the contest.
“I have seriously considered contesting the leadership election which is now underway in the Fine Gael party.
“I have been touched by the encouragement and support I have received. But I have decided that entering the contest is not the right decision for me,” she said.
More to follow
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