A very tricky 12 months will determine if he returns to office for a second term
THE public has given the young Leo Varadkar a generous opportunity to find his feet, but his performance over the next 12 months will decide whether or not he returns to office. Brexit still looms and Mr Varadkar will have the future of Ireland’s economy in his hands as he negotiates to get the best deal. The housing and health crises appear to have become the norm – and unless some results are quickly apparent Mr Varadkar will see his popularity damaged.
The last Budget of the confidence and supply agreement with Fianna Fáil comes in October. The day after it is passed – and it suits both parties for it to get through the Dáil – confidence and supply will have to be renegotiated, or ended.
If it ends, a general election will come immediately and FG lacks an obvious coalition partner. If an election happens it means abortion legislation would be delayed.
This would be a disaster for Mr Varadkar who has staked his political future on the reform of our abortion laws.