Ring linked with senior ministerial office after Varadkar victory

MAYO TD Michael Ring, Minister of State for Regional Development, is being strongly tipped for a senior ministerial appointment in the aftermath of Leo Varadkar's election as the new leader of Fine Gael.

Mr. Varadkar's triumph over Simon Coveney in the leadership contest was confirmed in the last few minutes after the Dublin TD secured 60% of the party vote.

It is expected that June 13 will be the date when Mr. Varadkar is installed as An Taoiseach. He will succeed Castlebar TD Enda Kenny, who filled the role since 2011.

Deputy Ring was a strong backer of Varadkar throughout his leadership campaign. They worked together in the Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport in the term of the last government.

It is because of their close working relationship that Mr. Ring is now being linked with a cabinet position, the post of Minister for Heritage, Regional Development, Rural Affairs and the Gaeltacht being mentioned in political circles.

Another reason for the speculation is that Mr. Ring's appointment would go some way towards filling the void created in Mayo and the west of Ireland by the retirement of Enda Kenny as party leader and Taoiseach.

However, sources close to Mr. Ring stated there is no foundation to the speculation at this stage.