May, a cautionary tale

IF THE new Taoiseach wants a lesson in political reality, he need look no further than our neighbouring island, where the political landscape has been utterly transformed in just two weeks. First came the shock election result that leaves Theresa May reliant on the DUP to form a government. Then came the tragedy of Grenfell Tower, the impact of which grows rather than diminishes as the days go by.

For Mrs May, these things have meant nothing but woe. Her BBC Newsnight interview about the inferno revealed once again that, when under pressure, she finds it hard to cope. Presumably it was her decision to face questioning – yet she gave wooden, defensive answers. It is a lesson to all national leaders that they need to do better, not necessarily by parading emotion but by demonstrating an active, flexible, responsive mind.

She also faces a shift in public opinion on Brexit. A poll conducted for our sister paper in the UK shows a new appetite for a softer divorce from the EU, as the blithe belief that the UK could free itself in a single joyous leap has turned to caution. Mrs May has only herself to blame. Rigid adherence to pre-arranged positions, slogans and tactics have got her into so much trouble. Now is the time for suppleness, subtlety and a readiness to listen to the national mood, and draw new strength from it. Mr Varadkar should take note.