THE LION’’S HEIR
» Leo tenure ends and Harris ready for power » Outgoing leader’s highs & lows recalled
AFTER 2,490 days since he became Taoiseach for the first time, today is Leo Varadkar’s final day as the leader of Ireland.
In many ways, it is hard to believe it is nearly seven years since Ireland hit headlines for electing its first mixed-race, openly gay and youngest Taoiseach in June 2017.
As he took over the reins from Enda Kenny, the world media was flooded with articles about how his tenure was a sign of how Ireland was becoming more progressive.
After two stints in the Taoiseach’s office, two-and-a-half years as Tanaiste and five Cabinet ministries, the 45-year-old leaves to muted fanfare and a bloodless transition to Taoiseach-in-waiting Simon Harris.
Speaking in Brussels hours after he announced his resignation, the outgoing Taoiseach said it was too early to talk about his legacy. Mr
Varadkar said he felt “sorry for people who have to write that kind of rubbish”.
While the lasting impact of his time in the Taoiseach’s office may not be clear for years, the highlights and lowlights of the Varadkar era are immediately clear.
It cannot be denied Ireland made major steps forward under his stewardship.
The passing of the 2015 marriage equality referendum did not happen during his time as Taoiseach.
But the impact of his interview with Miriam O’callaghan revealing he was gay is seen by some as a pivotal moment in the equality campaign.
While the then Health Minister should not have to declare his sexuality on national airwaves, the fact he was the first Cabinet Minister to come out was an important moment. When he became Taoiseach in 2017, one of his first pledges was to hold a referendum to repeal the 8th Amendment. The monumental referendum campaign to allow abortion services in certain circumstances in 2018 will always be seen as part of his legacy.
The return to full employment and the bouncing economy during the Taoiseach’s time in office will also be seen as a highlight and, as Mr Varadkar said, may not be appreciated until long after he has departed.
His handling of Brexit, alongside outgoing minister Simon Coveney, over several years and through several British prime ministers has also been heralded. He worked through various issues while being seen as a “bogeyman” figure for unionists, while also being torn to shreds by the British press.
It was also remarkable in many ways that six weeks after Fine Gael lost 15 seats in February 2020’s general election, Mr Varadkar managed to gain the trust of the nation during Covid-19.
However, there were seriously low moments that also shaped Mr Varadkar’s tenure.
While the handling of the pandemic should and must be investigated and interrogated, there is no doubt mistakes were made.
The release of patients from hospitals into vulnerable nursing homes was a major mistake that requires further scrutiny.
His reputation was tarnished when it emerged he had shared a GP agreement with a rival union group.
The head of that group was a friend of Mr Varadkar’s. Despite
[A party for] people who get up early in the morning LEO VARADKAR SLOGAN FOR FG LEADERSHIP BID
surviving a confidence motion in the Dail in November 2020, he has never managed to shake the “Leo the leak” nickname.
While the Government will argue that housing is “starting to turn a corner”, a lot of people are still waiting to feel the benefits.
From co-living in the Eoghan Murphy days to ending the eviction ban under Darragh O’brien, housing-related controversies during Mr Varadkar’s tenure came thick and fast.
This is before you even mention the record number of children living in emergency accommodation, ever-growing homelessness numbers and the asylum seekers forced to sleep on the streets.
Housing has never been something this Government has managed to get a full grip on and this won’t be forgotten any time soon. And then you have the slogans... Whether it was “welfare cheats cheat us all”, “people who get up early in the morning” or Mean Girl quotes in pandemic announcements, Mr Varadkar often got the tone wrong with the public.
As we reflect on one Taoiseach’s legacy, what the next Taoiseach may or may not achieve comes into focus. Mr Harris will become Taoiseach tomorrow and will appoint his Cabinet. One thing Mr Harris will bring that has been missing under Mr Varadkar is energy.
It was clear the fire had gone from Mr Varadkar’s eyes in recent months. The fire is burning under Mr Harris.
His time in Cabinet hasn’t been without its faults.
There have been broken promises about scoliosis surgeries for children, missteps during the pandemic and other controversies during his time in health.
He will face similar issues as Mr Varadkar, the housing crisis, the health crisis, the cost of living crisis and crises we don’t even know exist yet. But Fine Gael will be hoping Mr Harris, the newest youngestever Taoiseach, will bring a new lease of life to the party.
An election must be held before March 22, 2025, meaning he is guaranteed 347 days in the Taoiseach’s office.
As he moves into Mr Varadkar’s office in Government Buildings, Mr Harris will be hoping he may get to stay there for 2,490.