LAST UPDATE | 22 Mar

Jane Matthews in Brussels

MINISTER PASCHAL DONOHOE has said he did not canvass Fine Gael parliamentary party members to back him in a leadership bid as he offered his endorsment to Simon Harris.

Last night, Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris officially declared his desire to be leader of Fine Gael and Taoiseach after Leo Varadkar’s shock resignation the day before.

Donohoe, who was considered a key contender for the leadership race, ruled himself out of the running yesterday. 

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform confirmed his support for Harris today and addressed speculation over whether he intended to throw his hat in the ring. 

Speaking to reporters at the European Council meeting in Brussels, Donohoe said he did not canvass members to support him in a leadership bid and said that his focus has always been on the two jobs he already holds. 

In addition to his ministerial positions, Donohoe is currently President of the Eurogroup for the European Union. 

Both position are now potentially at risk, depending on how a new Taoiseach decides to reshuffle Cabinet. 

Donohoe said he phoned Harris to offer him his support, but when asked if Harris gave him any assurances that he would be kept in his current roles, Minister Donohoe said he did not look for any.

“I’ve been at these moments now in many different occasions and I know they are difficult enough for a party leader and Taoiseach to make. I have not looked for that nor would I,” he said.

In an interview with Bloomberg earlier today Donohe said: “Of course, I do”, when asked if he backed Harris.

“I’ve known Simon for many, many, many years. I believe he has all the qualities that will enable him to be a very, very successful leader for Fine Gael, and will also allow him to be an excellent Taoiseach,” Donohoe said.

When asked if he will continue to serve as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in a reshuffle, Donohoe said that is a decision for the new Taoiseach.

“I of course hope to continue with my work. But from being through many moments like this in the past, it’s a matter for the new Taoiseach, and I’m not going to make his life any more difficult by making statements on it. Of course, I want to continue with my work, but I recognise that it’s his decision,” he said.

Donohoe would not be drawn on what Fine Gael as a party might look like under the leadership of Simon Harris. 

When asked, he replied: “It’s difficult for me to say at the moment, how it will differ because both Leo and Simon are very, very different people.”

He added: “I think it always makes a difference when somebody’s coming into a role that has come into it afresh with very high levels of energy, not dealing with all the costs and consequences of holding the highest of office for many years, as Leo has done and I expect that itself will make a difference.”