Leo’s partner joins farewell to Kenny
THE taoiseach-elect Leo Varadkar was accompanied to a ministerial banquet in Farmleigh by his partner Dr Matt Barrett, the Irish Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Cabinet Ministers and their spouses and partners gathered in Farmleigh on Thursday for a farewell dinner for Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Mr Kenny is expected to step down on Tuesday after appearing at his final Leaders’ Questions. Mr Varadkar should be elected taoiseach on Wednesday, and will also form a new Cabinet this week.
At the State residence in the Phoenix Park four ministers were seated at a top table. Each was accompanied by a guest. Mr Kenny was beside his wife Fionnuala; Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald was accompanied by husband Michael; Michael Noonan brought his daughter and Mr Varadkar was there with his partner Dr Barrett.
Cabinet colleagues organised the farewell dinner for Mr Kenny and Mr Noonan, presenting the two with gifts bought following a ministerial whip-round.
In an emotional speech, Mr Kenny directed his closing words at his successor.
‘This is a wonderful country,’ he said, choking up. He paused and pointed to Mr Varadkar. ‘Look after it.’ Then he sat down and got a standing ovation.
The dinner was suggested by Mr Varadkar and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, who organised the €100-a-head gift collection.