Fine Gael leadership election, 2017
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Enda Kenny (Interim)
Leo Varadkar
The 2017 Fine Gael leadership election was triggered in May 2017, when Enda Kenny resigned as party leader. Voting began by members of Fine Gael and Young Fine Gael on 29 May 2017. On 2 June Leo Varadkar was announced as the victor, beating rival Simon Coveney 60% to 40%.
The electoral system was an electoral college of the members of the Fine Gael party, Fine Gael councillors and Fine Gael parliamentary party members. The result was announced on 2 June 2017 when, at a special meeting, the parliamentary party cast their votes. Varadkar became Fine Gael leader immediately upon the announcement of the result, but will not immediately assume the office of Taoiseach.
Given the current composition of Dáil Éireann, Varadkar is expected to assume the role of Taoiseach within a few weeks, with Fianna Fáil and the Independent Alliance (Ireland) expected to maintain their respective confidence and supply and coalition agreements for the Fine Gael-led government. This fact coloured the hustings and debates between the candidates, as they were campaigning effectively for the leadership of the nation in a prime ministerial role.
Varadkar will be Ireland's youngest Taoiseach, as well as the first who is openly gay. Varadkar is mixed-race and will become the first person of Indian-origin to serve in the role of Taoiseach.
Enda Kenny has been Fine Gael leader since 2002, being first Leader of the Opposition, and then Taoiseach following the 2011 general election. The 2016 general election saw Fine Gael lose seats, and its Labour Party coalition partners substantially diminished. Despite these losses, Kenny was unexpectedly able to form a new minority coalition government. Kenny was weakened by criticisms of his handling Garda whistleblower scandal, and—according to an analysis by RTÉ.ie—was an electoral liability to his party at a time when an election could be imminent leading to calls for him to step down.
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