Sinn Fein Councillor says Varadkar as Taoiseach would be bad for Tipperary

Leo Varadkar says the race is “still on” to become Fine Gael leader – and says he has not promised any cabinet jobs to anyone.

Varadkar today launched his policy positions for the campaign, including a merger of PRSI and the Universal Social Charge.

He’s also proposing to bring forward a review of the help-to-buy scheme, and scrap it if it’s found to be pushing up prices.

Varadkar says he’s “overwhelmed and humbled” by the support he has already secured – but denies promising positions to his supporters.

However a Tipperary Sinn Féin representative says Leo Varadkar as Taoiseach would be bad news for rural Ireland.

Seamie Morris says the Government is already too focused on Dublin and other major urban centres.

Speaking on Tipp Today the Nenagh based Councillor said this could become even more of an issue if Leo Varadkar wins the Fine Gael leadership battle.