Leo Varadkar, an openly gay Irish minister of Indian-origin, is being widely tipped as the frontrunner in the race to become Ireland’s next prime minister.
Varadkar, 38, is a leader of the Fine Gael political party and the social protection minister. Born in Dublin, he is the son of a retired Indian doctor and an Irish mother.
A new poll earlier this week said the people of Ireland would prefer Varadkar over housing minister Simon Coveney to be the next leader of Fine Gael, The Journal news website reported. Coveney was backed by 23% of respondents in the poll by Claire Byrne Live while Varadkar received support from 35%.
Varadkar is also a favourite with online bookmaker Paddy Power Betfair, which is offering odds of 4/11 that he will be the next prime minister.
Reports have suggested PM Enda Kenny could step down after March 17. Kenny has faced criticism for his handling of a controversy in the police force.
Media reports said the elevation of Varadkar would mark a major social change for Ireland, which was among the last EU members to decriminalise homosexuality.
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