Many of Clare’s Fine Gael Councillors are going against the party’s parliamentary party members here by backing Simon Coveney in the party’s leadership contest.
Clare FM has spoken with the majority of Fine Gael Councillors here in recent days, and three, Mary Howard, Paul Murphy and Joe Cooney, say they’re backing Minister Coveney over Minister Varadkar.
Ennis Councillor Johnny Flynn has declined to outline his intentions, but the remainder of those who have spoken to this station have said they’re undecided.
It means that no Councillor is supporting likely winner Leo Varadkar at this stage, even though he has already secured the backing of TDs Joe Carey and Pat Breen, and Senator Martin Conway.
Speaking at an election rally in Athlone last night, Simon Coveney said he’s not concerned that he’s playing catch-up to Leo Varadkar.
