Carey Defends Support For Varadkar In FG Leadership Fight

Photo © Pat Flynn

A Clare’s Fine Gael TD has defended his decision to back Leo Varadkar in the party’s leadership battle.

Joe Carey is commenting in light of criticism by outspoken TD Kate O’Connell at the Clare branch’s AGM, who branded the Social Protection Minister’s supporters as “Choir Boys” who are “singing for their suppers”.

As he launches his policy document today, Leo Varadkar has double the support of Simon Coveney.

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Meanwhile, Leo Varadkar says if he wins the Fine Gael leadership race he will scrap Simon Coveney’s ‘Help to Buy’ scheme if it is inflating house prices.

The Social Protection minister has joined his rival in saying the Universal Social Charge should not be abolished as planned, but merged with PRSI into a new single insurance payment with greater benefits.

He’s launched his policy ideas this afternoon with promises to bring forward delayed infrastructure projects like the Dublin Metro, the M20 between Cork and Limerick and motorway access to the West and North West.

Mr Varadkar says he now wants an early review of the help to buy scheme.