I'm backing Leo, says West Cork Deputy Jim Daly

GEOGRAPHY should not be a factor when deciding who to back in the FG leadership race, says local FG TD Jim Daly, who is supporting Leo Varadkar and not his fellow Corkman, to lead the party. 

 ‘In choosing the next party leader and possible Taoiseach I have looked well beyond Carrigaline, and indeed Castleknock addresses, in making my decision,’ he writes in The Southern Star this week. ‘I believe Leo Varadkar is a once-in-a-lifetime generational talent who has extraordinary vision and skills and the courage and compassion to lead Ireland into the next phase post the economic crisis.’

He acknowledged people will disagree with his choice but said ‘doing the right thing is not always popular.’

‘Leo as a leader will be a radical and responsible revolutionary,’ he said.

However, Cork’s FG Senator Tim Lombard disagreed and said Minister Simon Coveney should be rewarded for his years of dedication and hard work. ‘As a Cork Minister he has the perspective and understanding of what is needed to improve Irish communities outside the bubble of Dublin,’ said the senator.