Simon Coveney at his leadership campaign kick off rally in Cork's Capitol building last Saturday, where over 400 party members, senators and TDs turned out to support the Fine Gael leadership candidate. (Pic: Cathal Noonan)

Fine Gael councillors from the Avondhu area are marginally opting towards Leo Varadker in the race for the leadership of the party, although five councillors are still undecided.

Three of the twelve councillors contacted by The Avondhu this week have said the Dublin TD is their choice. Five declined to give their preference and two were uncontactable.

Many said they were undecided because both candidates, Leo Varadker and Simon Coveney, were ‘of excellent quality’. Those who confirmed their support for Varadker were Kay Dawson, Marie Murphy and Patrick O’Donovan.

Clogheen councillor and former general election candidate Marie Murphy, announced her support for Leo Varadkar, becoming the first Tipperary councillor to do so.

“We are blessed to have two such able candidates in Leo and Simon Coveney but we are living in changing times and I think Leo is best suited to be leader”, she stated.

She said that his experience in three ministeries – Transport, Health and now Social Protection – gave him a unique insight into the concerns of the public.

“In my opinion, his experience in Health and Social Protection briefs give him the edge, as he has inside knowledge of the workings of the two most difficult departments.”

She said he had also given assurances on the future of South Tipperary General Hospital during his time as Health Minister.

Councillors across the country have ten per cent of the vote in the leadership election.