FOLLOWING THE RESIGNATION of Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence yesterday, the big question on everyone’s lips this morning is: who will now take his place?

Taoiseach Enda Kenny made the announcement of Shatter’s resignation in the Dáil, saying the decision had been made on foot of the publication of the Guerin Report into garda whistleblowers.

According to Kenny, report concludes, that there was an inadequate response to Maurice McCabe’s submissions and Shatter felt it was his duty to resign.

Yesterday the government indicated that his replacement would be made in the evening but then said the new appointment will be made this morning. There is a motion due before the Dáil at 10.45am.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar and Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald are two of the favourites to step into the challenging brief but a number of other ministers and junior ministers could also be in the running.

Related: Alan Shatter has resigned as Justice, Equality and Defence Minister>

More: Varadkar and Fitzgerald the favourites – but Shatter’s replacement won’t be appointed until tomorrow>

Explainer: Why Alan Shatter has resigned>

Read: What did Alan Shatter do in office?>

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