'We know that's not true' - Varadkar hits back at Martin's claim election date was set to coincide with BrexitThe Taoiseach, speaking at a Fine Gael election rally in Cork attended by all 10 party election candidates across all five Cork constituencies, rejected Mr Martin's criticisms of the election timing as an "odd claim" by the Fianna Fáil leader. Mr Varadkar, in a clear dig at Mr Martin, hailed Mr Coveney - who contests Mr Martin's own Cork South Central constituency - as "the best politician Cork has produced in a generation." Mr Varadkar defended the timing of the February 8 general election as in Ireland's best interests. "It was all my idea, after all it wasn't Nigel Farage or anybody like that" Mr Varadkar said to laughter from the crowd. "The fact is the health crisis, the housing issue, are very dominant in people's minds," Mr Martin added.

Source: Irish Independent January 31, 2020 23:03 UTC