Coveney steps aside from cabinet

It is not clear if he was to be part of Simon Harris's plans.

Simon Coveney is stepping aside from Cabinet.

The current Enterprise Minister says he spoke to Fine Gael leader Simon Harris last night to inform him he would not be making himself available to serve as a minister when the Dáil resumes next week.

He says he'll continue to work as a proud TD for Cork South Central.

Simon Harris is expected to be elected as Taoiseach and form his new Cabinet next Tuesday.

Over the years, Coveney had been considered as one of the strongest performing Ministers around the cabinet table. Especially his time as Minister for Foreign Affairs, when he seemed to have his finger on the pulse of Brexit, and making sure Ireland was not going to suffer as a result.