Leo’s U-turn on vow to quit politics by 51

LEO Varadkar has insisted he will remain in politics for a long time to come – saying he regrets previous comments where he hinted that would take up a different role in the future.

The Taoiseach has made an apparent U-turn on his plan to step down from politics by the time he’s 51. He now says he will be around for as long as he is wanted by the Irish people.

The Fine Gael leader, a doctor, said he regrets comments he made in 2015 when he said he had an exit strategy from politics because he wanted to do something else. He said at that time: ‘I don’t see myself in politics at 51. Whatever I do next it will be different, not politics.’

However, Mr Varadkar has now said that he is in politics for the long haul. When asked if he still sees himself in political life at age 50, he said: ‘I think I answered that question before and I regret answering the way I did because it was mistaken by some people as a lack of commitment to politics.

‘I can absolutely guarantee you that I’m 100% committed to this job, as Taoiseach, leading my party and doing everything I can for my constituency of Dublin West, so that’s my focus at the moment.’ Mr Varadkar – who turns 39 later this month – added: ‘I haven’t contemplated retirement from politics for a very long time and I can assure you I’ll be around for as long as the people want me.’

A busy year lies ahead for the Taoiseach, with Phase Two Brexit talks and renewed efforts to resolve the political crisis in the North. There is also the question of whether he will call an early general election and if the Eighth Amendment will be repealed.

However, he faces these challenges at a time when he is enjoying significant popularity, as a recent poll revealed he had an approval rating with the public of 56%.

Matt Cooper – Page 12