Simon Coveney has been appointed Fine Gael's deputy leader.
Taoiseach in waiting Leo Varadkar made the announcement this evening as he addressed his first meeting of the Parliamentary Party since becoming leader.
In a statement the housing minister said: "I am honoured to have been asked to take on the role of Deputy Leader of Fine Gael.
"I will ensure this is an active role which reaches out to the members of the Party across the country.
"I look forward to working with the new Leader of Fine Gael, Leo Varadkar, and believe that I can bring a strong focus and energy to the Party from the grassroots members through to local Councillors, and up to the Parliamentary Party."
Deputy leader
Meanwhile, Leo Varadkar said in a statement "I am really delighted to appoint Simon Coveney as Deputy Leader of Fine Gael and as a member of the Party's Executive Council.
"Simon and I will work together to guide the participation by Fine Gael in the Government, and reform and modernise the Fine Gael Party in the years ahead."
Delighted to appoint @simoncoveney as Deputy Leader of @finegael. Together we will guide FG's role in Govt and re-energise the party
— Leo Varadkar (@campaignforleo) June 13, 2017