LEO’S PROBLEMS
GARDAÍ
Scandals in An Garda Síochána probably shortened Enda Kenny’s time in the Taoiseach’s office, and Leo will be determined that these issues don’t claim his scalp also. An almost immediate test of his leadership will come on whether he retains faith in embattled Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan, below, below. Asked by the Irish Daily Mail last night if he would ask her to step down, Mr Varadkar bought himself some time. He said: ‘I have said on many occasions that the Government retains confidence in the Commissioner. A lot of the issues involved are still under investigation, and we would like to see the outcome of those investigations before there is any change in policy.’
BREXIT
Leo isn’t expected to be elected Taoiseach until June 13 but the negotiations begin in Brussels on June 19, leaving him a mere six days to prepare. Given that he has rejected the idea of appointing a dedicated Brexit minister, he will need to lead these negotiations himself. A mammoth task awaits.
HOUSING
With no end in sight to the growing numbers becoming homeless, public anger is growing at a perceived lack of movement on the Government’s part. The big question for Varadkar is whether he will let Simon Coveney stay as Housing Minister, on the understanding that change takes time, or swap him for someone who will demand quicker results.
WATER
Varadkar has already promised that those who paid their bills would get refunds by the end of the year. Reports had previously suggested it was likely the refunds wouldn’t arrive until next year – but now that money will have to be found sooner. Given that it could total €162million, it won’t be easy.
ABORTION
Varadkar has taken an uncontroversial stance on this issue by saying he believes the current rules are too restrictive but that he doesn’t agree with abortion on demand. The likely referendum on the issue could prove painful, but by saying he won’t impose a whip on his politicians, he may have taken some of the sting out of it for himself.
FIANNA FÁIL
Micheál Martin, pictured, yesterday said he wants to see the confidence and supply agreement continue, but upped the ante by saying the Government must achieve more after an underwhelming year. To do this the two parties will need to build trust – and Varadkar may not be helped in this regard by the fact that he is quite an unpopular figure in Fianna Fáil circles.