Steward’s enquiry into Leo’s lodgings

IF the Taoiseach’s bare-chested display in Phoenix Park last weekend proves anything, it’s that there’s a little exhibitionist in all of us.

Leo Varadkar must have known that if he went all Tarzan on us in front of a large number of people his not inconsiderable pecs would attract the attention of cameras and in a nanosecond he’d be hitting social media.

That he ploughed ahead regardless and stripped down to his shorts, left, is interesting – and each one of us is entitled to make of it what we will.

But a lower-middle-aged man togged out like he’s just about to take a dip, picnic at the ready, sun splitting the rocks, his partner Matt Barrett next to him and two of their buddies – together but apart in line with Covid-19 physical distancing – was never my kinda thing.

All that sunshine and heat can be extremely damaging to the skin. Did his doctor not tell him?

Leo Varadkar wasn’t only flaunting his remarkable frame next to the Wellington Monument, but also his outstanding good fortune at being able to enjoy the delights of Phoenix Park despite the Covid-19 law which bans people travelling more than five kilometres from their homes, barring exempted work and other circumstances.

And, of course, Leo was well within that five-kilometre limit, because recently he’s taken quite a shine to staying overnight in the Steward’s Lodge on the Farmleigh Estate – another expensive bauble owned by this here great republic.

Farmleigh didn’t come cheap. We divvied up about €30m for the estate which was once owned by the Guinness family. And then we paid another €23m to knock the whole thing into shape.

Meanwhile, turning the Steward’s Lodge into a five-star, luxury accommodation added another €600,000 to the national debt.

The Taoiseach says staying in the Lodge allows him easy access to technology and other supports, necessary to do his job. Fair enough.

But you have to wonder why those supports couldn’t also be provided at Mr Varadkar’s permanent address or do they not have highspeed broadband linked up to the gaff where he usually lays his weary head.

Still, it’s nice to know that Leo and Matt have the option, unlike the rest of us, of the secluded luxury of the people’s Steward’s Lodge.

Even if the Taoiseach has to pay €50 a night for the pleasure, I think it’s worth it. Because he’s worth it.