LOVE ACTUALLY IN DOWNING STREET

FOR the first time since the Troubles, foreign policy will play a dominant role in our landscape.

Last week’s Downing Street summit represented a key test for Varadkar and how Brexit evolves will see us sink or swim. A sympathetic UK PM is a vital component.

Intriguingly, his Downing Street trip appeared to release the inner child in Varadkar, as a beaming Leo enthused about Love Actually. To laughter from the assembled journalists, he recalled that on his way into Number 10 he was reminded of the famous scene in the rom com where the PM dances down the stairs of Downing Street.

More critically, his Downing Street meeting also smoothed relations with the chilly Theresa May who appeared to take a maternal delight in Varadkar’s awe. The result was a successful summit where Varadkar stated, without contradiction, that any confidence and supply deal between the Conservatives and the DUP would not jeopardise efforts to restore the executive.

Mrs May said she is committed to finding a practical solution for the land border in the North after Brexit and said she wanted it to be as seamless as possible.

VERDICT

The new Taoiseach passed his first foreign affairs test with flying colours. 7/10