Simon Harris hasn't even formally thrown his hat in the ring but is almost certain to be the next leader of Fine Gael and Taoiseach.
His main potential competitors have now all ruled themselves out of the race with Paschal Donohoe and Heather Humphries the latest to exclude themselves.
Helen McEntee and Simon Coveney earlier ruled themselves out.
It means Simon Harris will be the only contender for leader of Fine Gael barring a rogue backbencher or junior minister trying to get nominations.
Nominations will then officially close next Monday with the result due on April 5th.
After that and if everything goes to plan, the next time the Dáil sits on April 9th - Simon Harris would become Taoiseach.
Heather Humphreys has confirmed that she will not be seeking to lead Fine Gael. Speaking on RTÉ's One O'Clock News, Ms Humphreys gave her support to Simon Harris | https://t.co/EW53Ux6q4N pic.twitter.com/EIUCDX8WEA
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) March 21, 2024
