Leo’s frictionless, lovefest trip across Belfast takes him to parallel universe
LEO the selfproclaimed lion must have had some trepidation wandering into ‘occupied territory’. Never before had a sitting Taoiseach knocked on the door of the Orange Order Headquarters in East Belfast.
But he needn’t have been worried because they were tripping over their sashes to show him around. The only thing missing was an actual orange carpet.
Given DUP leader Arlene Foster’s very blatant dislike of Mr Varadkar, it could have been assumed that the unionist community would be wary of his intentions.
News of the Taoiseach’s planned visit was late to reach the locals as they wandered in the brilliant Belfast sunshine to find eight TV cameras pitched on Cregagh Road.
One bemused resident asked twice: “As in Leo Varadkar? That’s class.”
The Orangemen did everything to make the Dubliner feel at ease. Even the grass outside was from the “slopes of the Boyne”.
Inside they had pulled out a log book from his Alma mater, Trinity College, to show the name of Isaac Butt. He was a famous Orangeman who led a number of nationalist bodies, including the Home Rule League.
As the small crowds gathered waiting the Taoiseach’s arrival, one of his officials murmured that “these are not the sort of people you leave waiting”.
But leave them waiting he did. Mr Varadkar got held up meeting with the late Ian Paisley’s wife, Eileen.
Finally, 34 minutes late, he arrived to spontaneous cheers. If this was spin, it was the best kind possible.
Mr Varadkar was talked through the stories of some famous lodge members. In between names like Robert Quigg and David Trimble were other ones like George Best, who was a junior associate until the age of 15.
Then there was US Secret Service agent William Greer, who was driving President John F Kennedy on the day he was shot dead. Mr Varadkar showed particular interest in a drum decorated with a painting of Princess Diana.
Afterwards, he enthused about now wanting to make more trips across the frictionless Border. This was his sixth in less than a year.
“I see myself as a neighbour, not as an invader,” he said.
Of course, that’s exactly what an invader would say. Leo, the Trojan Horse? They didn’t seem worried.
Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland Edward Stevenson said it was a “significant moment”.
“Such a gesture should not be underestimated and will, I believe, be deeply appreciated by many relatives of the deceased, and the Orange membership as a whole.”
Later, with three pairs of orange socks in the boot, the Taoiseach crossed from a part of Belfast where Union Jacks fly to one where Tricolours line the streets.
He had faced criticism from Ms Foster for agreeing to launch Féile an Phobail but what wasn’t in the narrative were the antiabortion protesters waiting
for him on the Falls Road. Their argument was somewhat lost though when they greeted his arrival with shouts of “repeal the 26” and “show us your socks”.
Once inside, Mr Varadkar delivered a carefully crafted speech. “It’s great to see this event open to all of the communities in Northern Ireland, including the new communities who have come to Northern Ireland,” he said in a clear dig at Ms Foster.
Féile was founded at the
height of the Troubles in 1988 and has been seen as a ‘republican’ festival. But Mr Varadkar said it was now “a genuine festival of the people”. To applause, he continued: “In many ways, Northern Ireland should be the best of both worlds. The best of Britain and the best of Ireland – but often it’s not.”
For Mr Varadkar, it’s a parallel universe where he’s loved by all (except the DUP) – so no wonder he’s keen to come back again soon.