Simon Harris tipped to be next Taoiseach

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris is expected to declare his candidacy for the Taoiseach role. 

From 10am this Thursday, March 21, candidacy will open to those in the Fine Gael party to apply as leader following former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's shock resignation this Wednesday, March 20.

“I couldn’t find anyone to stab me in the back, so I fell on my sword instead,” Mr Varadkar said at private Fine Gael parliamentary meeting last night as he thanked TDs and senators for their support over his lengthy career, having first been elected in 2007.

The focus now turns to April 6 when a new leader will be announced. Calls for a general election have poured in from opposition parties and some members of the public. 

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe is expected to make a decision whether he will run for Taoiseach in the next day or two, with sources saying he is "seriously considering" a run at the leadership.

Another potential candidate tipped to run for the role is that of Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, while she has not yet declared her intention. 

"I believe that a new Taoiseach and leader will be better placed than me - after seven years in office, I don't think I am the best person do that anymore," Mr Varadkar said upon resigning.

Any candidate who secures the support of the majority of the parliamentary party would have to get 65% of the total vote.

Meanwhile, a number of Fianna Fáil members have called on Tánaiste Micheál Martin to insist that he take over the Taoiseach's position.