Leo Varadkar ‘a man of great intellect’, say Cork colleagues

Leo Varadkar has been described by party colleagues in Cork as a “man of great intellect” who worked hard to steer the country through difficult times following his decision to step down as Taoiseach and leader of the Fine Gael party.

Mr Varadkar made the shock announcement yesterday, saying that his reasons for stepping down were “personal and political, but mainly political”.

The Dublin West TD will remain as Taoiseach until a successor is appointed.

Speaking to The Echo following the announcement, Fine Gael TD for Cork East David Stanton described Mr Varadkar as a “man of great intellect” who has worked “very, very hard”.

“He was always there anytime I contacted him with any issue, he was back straight away, virtually, with advice or a comment. He was very good for that, for being reactive and responsive.”

Covid pandemic

Mr Stanton said the outgoing Taoiseach has “steered the country through very tough times” — among them the outbreak of the covid pandemic.

“I remember when he spoke at the start of covid in America and he said he was closing the country down.

“That was a major, major decision, but it was the right decision at the time, as the vast majority of people now agree,” he said.

Mr Stanton said he would like to see the current coalition see out its term — a sentiment that was echoed by his party colleague, Cork North Central TD Colm Burke.

“We still have work to do. We still have targets to reach… we’re going to have a change of leader in Fine Gael. There is probably five potential contenders there, so people have a choice.

“It’s a case of who decides to put their name forward and who decides to contest it.”

New leader

Speculating as to who the next leader of the party might be, Mr Burke said that he believes current Fine Gael ministers, Simon Coveney, Simon Harris, Paschal Donohoe, Heather Humphreys, and Helen McEntee could all be potential contenders.

However, that was prior to Mr Coveney declaring he would not be seeking the party leadership last night.

“Every one of them has the expertise, having served as ministers, and has the potential to give the leadership that’s required,” he added.

Mr Varadkar became Taoiseach for the second time on December 17, 2022, taking over from the current Tánaiste, Micheál Martin.

Mr Varadkar previously served as Taoiseach from June 2017 to February 2020.

Born and raised in Dublin, he is a qualified medical doctor and a graduate of Trinity College Dublin.

He was a member of Fingal County Council from 2003 to 2007 and elected to Dáil Éireann for the Dublin West constituency on his first attempt in 2007 and was re-elected to a fourth term in 2020.

Privilege

Speaking outside Government Buildings yesterday, Mr Varadkar said it had been a “privilege” to serve as head of government.

“My reasons for stepping down now are personal and political, but mainly political,” he said.

“I believe this Government can be re-elected. I believe my party, Fine Gael, can gain seats in the next Dáil.

“Most of all, I believe that would be the right thing for the future of our country, continuing to take us forward.

“Protecting what we achieved and building on it.

“After careful consideration and some soul-searching, I believe a new taoiseach will be better-placed than me to achieve that — to renew and strengthen the top team, to refocus our message and policies, and to drive implementation.

“After seven years in office, I am no longer the best person for that job.”

Thanked

He said he could stand aside “in the absolute confidence that the country and the economy are in a good place” and thanked his party, coalition partners, constituents, and colleagues for their support.

“I know, inevitably, there will be speculation as to the ‘real reason’ for my decision,” he said.

“These are the real reasons. That’s it. I have nothing else lined up or in mind.

“No definite personal or political plans, but I am looking forward to having the time to think about them.”

Tánaiste

Commenting yesterday, Mr Martin said he respected the Taoiseach’s decision and wished Mr Varadkar well.

He reiterated his view that he would like to see the Coalition see out its term.

“From my perspective, and from Fianna Fáil’s perspective, we are going to fulfil our mandate,” he said.

“There is a lot of work to be done, and that is our focus at this time.”

Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Fine Gael senator Jerry Buttimer, said Mr Varadkar has been an “extraordinary Taoiseach and a great leader of the party”.

“I wish him well and thank him for what he has done for the people of Ireland, but in particular for the people of Cork, and his support of so many key projects around Cork,” he said.