Leo Varadkar rules out calling an early election if he's elected leader of Fine Gael
The Social Protection Minister has a clear lead over the other candidate Simon Coveney - with 45 of the 73 members of the parliamentary party backing him
However Simon Coveney has vowed he'll stay in the leadership race and is expected to publish details of his policy priorities later this morning.
Minister Varadkar says there's no room for complacency but he has been looking ahead and doesn't see the country going to the polls in the near future.
More from Cork
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Lord Mayor Of City Felt Privileged To Represent Cork During Such A Difficult Time As He Faces Into Last Month In Office
Councillor Joe Kavanagh will be handing over the mayoral chains outside of City Hall for the first time ever on June 18th due to the pandemic
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Expert calls for people to reduce meat intake
Eating too much meat can increase the risk of serious illnesses by as much as 30%.
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International Care Day Is Being Celebrated At The Bessborough Centre In Blackrock Today
The event highlights the positive impact of the experience of young people in care
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UPDATE: Teenage Girl Killed And Three Teenage Boys Injured In Knocknaheeny Crash
It's understood the teenage driver of the car fled the scene on foot
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Angry Farmers To Stage Protest Outside Aldi in Mitchelstown Later
They're appealing to retailers to come to the talks table
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UPDATE: Toddler Who Was Injured At Her Home On The Boreenmanna Road Has Died
The two year-old was rushed to hospital with traumatic head injuries