Leo rules out major changes to Cabinet ahead of appointments

LEO Varadkar has ruled out wholesale changes to his Cabinet next week, saying yesterday: ‘There will be more disappointments than appointments.’

The incoming taoiseach briefed the press at Government Buildings yesterday stressing that ‘expectations are already phenomenally larger than can possibly be achieved’.

But he gave some solace to those who don’t land a position in Cabinet, remarking: ‘I hope that if anyone is disappointed, that they won’t think they have lost out forever.’

The Fine Gael leader indicated that he had filled no job yet, saying: ‘I haven’t made any decisions at this stage.’

But he said his choices would be made based on his appraisal of the ability of individuals to deliver for the people of Ireland.

Issues such as trustworthiness and competence, plus questions of regional and gender balance would also be a part of his line-up formulation, Mr Varadkar said. He confirmed he was considering a restructuring some Government departments ‘to better reflect the needs of the country.’

There has been widespread speculation that the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure could be merged, or Paschal Donohoe appointed as minister over both. Mr Varadkar said he had met with Simon Coveney, his rival for the Fine Gael leadership, but both men had agreed that the details of their encounter would remain ‘entirely confidential.’

He refused the discuss the post of tánaiste.

Mr Varadkar said of his future relationship with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin: ‘We’re not going to be best friends but we’re going to have a good working relationship.’

The Fine Gael leader said he did not know if there was any informal understanding between Independent TD Michael Lowry and Enda Kenny because he had not had any discussions with Mr Lowry.