Humphreys rules herself out of leadership contest

The Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has just ruled herself out of the leadership race for Fine Gael following Leo Varadkar's shock resignation yesterday.

Having given the matter "careful consideration", the Cavan Monaghan TD said she had decided not to put herself forward.

She was speaking on RTÉ's News at One in the past few minutes.

Minister Humphreys said that she loves rural Ireland and her job as Minister for Rural and Community Development.

She also referenced her family commitments including her daughter's wedding in just two weeks.

Minister Humphreys also became the first cabinet minister to publicly back her colleague, Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris for the job - although the Wicklow TD has yet to officially throw his hat into the ring.

With a number of other potential candidates also ruling themselves out, including Ministers Helen McEntee and Pascal Donohoe, it's looking increasingly like a one-horse race.

Around half of the Fine Gael parliamentary party have already indicated their support for Minister Harris. The parliamentary party carries 65% of the total vote with the remainder made up of party members and local councillors.

The new leader should be in place for the Ard Fheis next month, and likely to be appointed Taoiseach after the Easter Dáil recess.

Leo Varadkar will remain in the role until then.