Simon Coveney to leave Cabinet after 13 years

Speaking on Today with Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1 this Tuesday morning, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has said: "We are a party like any other that needs to renew all the time, when you have been at the helm for a long period of time, and significant change created, everyone needs to reflect on their position."

Mr Coveney revealed he was called by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar before he tendered his resignation as leader of Fine Gael. "I certainly hadn't expected him to step down when he did," stated Mr Coveney. "My private conversations will remain private. He has given extraordinary service to Ireland and he felt that his energy levels and leadership of the party had reached the end".

Describing on air why he was leaving, he added: "My reasons are a little different," he added. "I am as energised by politics as i always have been. I remain absolutely committed to Fine Gael, I support Simon Harris completely.

"He has loads of things to weigh up, that's what he needs to do, I felt making the decision was the right thing to do, it gives him more space and I'm happy with that decision.

The Cork South Central TD also said: "I have got 3 daughters entering their teenage years, I had a go at leadership and was very lucky to be Tánaiste for a number of years, and that for me was the most rewarding job I could have had in politics."

Mr Coveney’s departure from Cabinet, which he has been a part of since 2011, indicates that he will not be running in the next general election.

In a statement on social media, Mr Coveney said: "I’ll continue to work as a proud TD for Cork South Central and will of course actively support the Government in the Dáil."

11 members of Fine Gael have stated they will not be running in the next general election. "Turnover and renewal is a good thing," he said. "We want to encourage compeitition in constituencies."

Simon Harris will announce his new Cabinet next week.