A new poll shows that Leo Varadkar is the most popular choice to replace Enda Kenny as Fine Gael Leader.

Speculation is mounting over Kenny's future, after criticism from backbenchers over independent ministers being allowed to vote against the government on yesterday's abortion bill.

An Ipsos/MRBI poll in today's Irish Times shows Varadkar has favourite to replace him with 31 per cent support, followed by Simon Coveney on 21 per cent and Frances Fitzgerald at 10 per cent.

Attention has now turned to Mr Kenny's future, and Political Reporter with The Irish Times, Sarah Bardon says there are a number of prospective candidates up for consideration: