Political ‘earthquake': major announcement expected from Government at noon

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will make the decision known at 12 noon.

The development is believed to centre on the Fine Gael side of the Coalition.

Frantic meetings have been taking place in Government Buildings.

Over the past few months, there has been a focus on the futures of senior leadership figures in the party; Leo Varadkar, Simon Coveney and Paschal Donohoe.

But it is unclear if the decision is related to their futures.

The Cabinet is meeting this morning for the first time since the defeat of the referendum.

Ministers were also away on St Patrick's Day duties last week.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 20th March 2024

The announcement is not centred on the general election date or the nomination of the next European Commissioner.

Ministers have been alerted to expect the announcement following the Cabinet meeting.

Sources within Government say the decision is of a major magnitude with the phrase "political earthquake" being used.

The Coalition has got less than 12 months left in its term in office.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has to make a decision on when to call it.

The local and European elections will take place the first week of June.