Simon Harris has said he was “clearly not” behind recent media briefings against Leo Varadkar. 

Over the weekend, several newspapers reported mutterings of discontent within the Taoiseach’s party. 

One said Mr Varadkar was “losing his grip” and another described Fine Gael as suffering from “rudderless drift”. 

An anonymous source mentioned Minister Simon Harris as a possible replacement but the interim Justice Minister denied it was him. 

“We’re working very closely together as a Fine Gael team and I think the priority has to be to focus on delivery, delivery, delivery,” he said. 

“When I travel around the country, that’s absolutely the priority from people in this country. 

“They want to see Government continuing to get on with delivering on the people’s business.” 

President Higgins presents new ministers with their Seal of Office.

Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney, who Mr Varadkar defeated in the 2017 Fine Gael leadership contest, also said the Taoiseach had his support. 

“I work with Leo Varadkar on a weekly basis,” he said. 

“He is an extraordinarily talented politician and he is giving very strong leadership at the moment.” 

Speaking at the National Economic Forum this morning, Mr Varadkar said the reports were inaccurate. 

“I am absolutely sure that I have the confidence of the vast majority of my parliamentary party and I have done for the past six years,” he said.

Main image: Leo Varadkar and Minister Simon Harris.