The Higher Education Minister looks increasingly likely to be unopposed in his bid to replace Leo Varadkar.Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe speaks during a meeting of Eurogroup finance ministers in Brussels in July 2021. Picture by: ALEXANDROS MICHAILIDIS / Alamy"I have long said that my focus is on the two jobs that I am privileged to hold - that of Government Minister and as President of the Eurogroup," he said in a statement.
"I do believe that a wealth of talent and experience exists in Fine Gael and that exciting times lie ahead, both for the Party and ultimately for the country," he added. “I’ve been very clear this morning that I thought there should be a competition and I think it’s good for people to see a competition within a part.outside Government Buildings shortly later, the Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys also ruled herself and said she was endorsing Minister Harris.
It leaves Minister Harris with no clear rival for the position – although he has yet to officially announce his candidacy.