Paschal Donohoe has refused to say whether he will run for the Fine Gael leadership – or who he will back if decides not to join the race.

The Public Expenditure Minister was speaking after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's shock decision to resign yesterday.

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris became the first person to secure enough backing for a nomination for the leadership earlier today – with many commentators now viewing him as the unassailable favourite to become Ireland's next Taoiseach.

File photo of Simon Harris. Image: Julien Behal Photography / RollingNews.ie

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney have already ruled themselves out of the running.

Candidates need the backing of at least six members of Fine Gael's Parliamentary Party to be nominated, with voting taking place in early April.

Speaking in Dundalk this morning Minister Donohoe said the Taoiseach's announcement “came as a major surprise out of the blue”.

"It's given me the opportunity to reflect on all the qualities that Leo has had and the tremendous service I believe he has done to the country," he said.

"From the pandemic to Brexit, to supporting our country and our economy and our society through such major change".

Minister Paschal Donohoe with Leo Varadkar in Government Buildings, 9-7-20. Image: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

Asked if he would run for party leader, Minister Donohoe said ‘today is not the day’ to decide.

"I've spoken about this topic in the past and I think today is about recognising the contribution of Leo," he said.

Minister Donohoe, who is also currently head of the Eurogroup of Eurozone finance ministers, was also asked who he would back if he didn't run himself.

"I think it's all just a little bit too early for all of that," he said.

"We all got the news yesterday morning; we're all digesting it and considering it.

"Leo has been a great Taoiseach, a great leader and somebody who I've been very privileged to work for and to serve.

"The party will no doubt just be reflecting on what has happened and we'll all take it from there," he added.

Simon Harris is expected to officially announce his candidacy later today.

Main image: Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe speaking at Government Buildings in Dublin, 17-8-23. Image: Sam Boal / © RollingNews.ie