'It has always been a fair rivalry': Tánaiste pays tribute to Coveney as he leaves Cabinet

The Tánaiste Micheál Martin was among those who paid tribute to Simon Coveney on his last day in the cabinet saying he had held his ministerial responsibility with “honour and distinction”. 

Mr Coveney announced last week that he would not be putting his name forward as a potential cabinet minister when Mr Harris became taoiseach.

Mr Martin said he wanted to acknowledge the decision of Deputy Simon Coveney to leave Cabinet after 13 years of service.

Mr Coveney was first elected to the Dail in 1998 as one of Fine Gael’s youngest TDs and held shadow ministries in the areas of drugs and youth affairs, communications, marine and natural resources, and transport.

He served in several ministerial roles during his 13 years in Cabinet, including in the enterprise, foreign affairs, defence, housing, and agriculture departments.

“As a constituency colleague of mine representing another party, both Deputy Coveney and I have invested great effort in battling each other over the years," said Mr Martin. 

“I believe it has always been a fair rivalry, one which has also included a lot of cooperation on issues of importance to the people of Cork who we have had the great privilege of representing in Dáil Éireann,” he added.

Mr Martin said that Mr Coveney had held ministerial responsibility with “honour and distinction”. 

He added: "I know that he has benefitted from the wonderful support of his family and a close group of supporters who have stood with him all of the way.

“Today I cannot but remember the late Hugh Coveney with whom I worked well and also a constituency colleague. I have no doubt that he is looking down with great pride at the service and achievements of his son, Simon.”

In his final speech before Simon Harris was appointed taoiseach, the former Gine Gael leader and taoiseach Leo Varadkar also thanked Simon Coveney, who was also his deputy party leader.