Profile picture of PBS
Ireland set for its youngest ever prime minister after Simon Harris is elected leader of the Fine Gael party
pbs.org/newshour/world/ireland-set-for-its-youngest-ever-prime-minister-after-simon-harris-is-elected-leader-of-the-fine-gael-party
Ireland set for its youngest ever prime minister after Simon Harris is ...
Quick Glance: Leo Varadkar: A Populist Who Struggled with Real People
  • In May 2002, a young party activist analyzed the defeat of Fine Gael under Michael Noonan, emphasizing that none of the former leaders were the expected messiah for the party.

  • Leo Varadkar's political legacy comprises valuable contributions, but he was never seen as a savior of the party. His ability to navigate contradictions made him a skilled politician, but he ultimately realized he couldn't balance on the political tightrope indefinitely.

  • Varadkar was described as a politician who straddled conservatism and an increasingly progressive society. Despite his rapid rise in politics and popularity during crises, he struggled to address long-term challenges in areas like healthcare and housing.

  • His popularity peaked during the Brexit crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, where he was seen as a unifying and authoritative leader. However, he failed to effectively tackle long-term structural issues in Ireland, especially in healthcare and housing, as his neoliberal views did not offer compelling solutions.
Profile picture of The Irish Times
Simon Coveney says he will run for Fine Gael again in next general election : Minister says make-up of the new Cabinet would be a matter for new party leader and ...
irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/24/simon-coveney-says-he-will-run-for-fine-gael-again-in-next-general-election/
Simon Coveney says he will run for Fine Gael again in next general ...
Profile picture of PBS
Ireland set for its youngest ever prime minister after Simon Harris is elected leader of the Fine Gael party
pbs.org/newshour/world/ireland-set-for-its-youngest-ever-prime-minister-after-simon-harris-is-elected-leader-of-the-fine-gael-party
Ireland set for its youngest ever prime minister after Simon Harris is ...
Quick Glance: Leo Varadkar: A Populist Who Struggled with Real People
  • In May 2002, a young party activist analyzed the defeat of Fine Gael under Michael Noonan, emphasizing that none of the former leaders were the expected messiah for the party.

  • Leo Varadkar's political legacy comprises valuable contributions, but he was never seen as a savior of the party. His ability to navigate contradictions made him a skilled politician, but he ultimately realized he couldn't balance on the political tightrope indefinitely.

  • Varadkar was described as a politician who straddled conservatism and an increasingly progressive society. Despite his rapid rise in politics and popularity during crises, he struggled to address long-term challenges in areas like healthcare and housing.

  • His popularity peaked during the Brexit crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, where he was seen as a unifying and authoritative leader. However, he failed to effectively tackle long-term structural issues in Ireland, especially in healthcare and housing, as his neoliberal views did not offer compelling solutions.
Profile picture of The Irish Times
Simon Harris rules out coalition with Sinn Féin as he puts his name forward to be next FG leader and taoiseach
irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/21/simon-harris-puts-his-name-forward-to-be-next-fine-gael-leader/
Simon Harris rules out coalition with Sinn Féin as he puts his name ...
Profile picture of The Irish Times
Profile picture of RTE.ie
Taoiseach resignation not expected to trigger election: Follow developments live as they happen as Leo Varadkar announces he is to step down as Taoiseach and ...
rte.ie/news/2024/0320/1438940-leo-varadkar/
Taoiseach resignation not expected to trigger election
Profile picture of RTE.ie
Fine Gael faces challenge as Cannon announces exit: Ten TDs elected for Fine Gael in the 2020 General Election have now announced that they are not going to ...
rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0319/1438773-fine-gael-analysis/
Fine Gael faces challenge as Cannon announces exit
Profile picture of The New York Times
Ireland Rejects Constitution Changes, Keeping ‘Women in the Home’ Language: Two proposed amendments, which voters considered on Friday, were intended to reflect ...
nytimes.com/2024/03/09/world/europe/ireland-constitution-referendums-women-home.html
Ireland Rejects Constitution Changes, Keeping ‘Women in the Home’ Language
Quick Glance: Varadkar Admits Defeat in Ireland's Referendum on Family, Women's Roles
  • Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced that the referendum on redefining family and women's roles in the constitution has failed.

  • The government backed the proposed changes, aiming to broaden the family definition and clarify women's duties in society.

  • The two proposals sought to amend article 41 of the Irish constitution from 1937 to recognize and distribute the care provided by family members.

  • The votes reflect Ireland's evolving identity and the diminishing influence of the once-dominant Roman Catholic Church in the country.
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Josepha Madigan resigns as junior minister and will not contest next election: In a statement today, Ms Madigan said she told Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of her plans ...
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41358913.html
Josepha Madigan resigns as junior minister and will not contest next ...
Profile picture of The Irish Times
Referendums No vote would be a 'setback for the country', Taoiseach says: Yes and No sides hold final press conferences ahead of Friday’s voting on the ...
irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2024/03/07/taoiseach-says-no-vote-in-referendums-would-be-setback-for-ireland/
Referendums No vote would be a 'setback for the country', Taoiseach says
Profile picture of Irish Independent
Profile picture of PBS
Voters are being asked to change Ireland's Constitution which says a woman's place is in the home
pbs.org/newshour/world/voters-are-being-asked-to-change-irelands-constitution-which-says-a-womans-place-is-in-the-home
Voters are being asked to change Ireland's Constitution which says a ...
Profile picture of The Christian Science Monitor
President Biden jabs election jokes at jam-packed Gridiron Club Dinner: President Joe Biden attended the annual Gridiron Club and Foundation Dinner this weekend ...
csmonitor.com/USA/2024/0317/President-Biden-jabs-election-jokes-at-jam-packed-Gridiron-Club-Dinner
President Biden jabs election jokes at jam-packed Gridiron Club Dinner
Quick Glance: Biden Criticizes Trump at Gridiron Dinner
  • President Joe Biden jokingly compared himself to Trump, highlighting mental fitness at a Gridiron Club event.

  • Biden warned of democracy threats by Trump and emphasized the importance of a free press.

  • The dinner gathered political figures like VP Kamala Harris and foreign diplomats, fostering bipartisan engagement.
Profile picture of ITVX
Government ‘defeated comprehensively’ in referenda – Taoiseach: Leo Varadkar said the Government had been given ‘two wallops’ by the electorate.
itv.com/news/utv/2024-03-09/government-defeated-comprehensively-in-referenda-taoiseach
Government ‘defeated comprehensively’ in referenda – Taoiseach
Profile picture of Sky News
'I want Wales to thrive.'Labour's Vaughan Gething has been formally elected as the new first minister for Wales, succeeding Mark Drakeford ... Show more
Profile picture of The Irish Times
Pat Leahy: I’ve worked out when the general election is most likely to be: Two sets of political considerations will influence the decision: tactical and ...
irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/03/02/pat-leahy-ive-worked-out-when-the-general-election-is-most-likely-to-be/
Pat Leahy: I’ve worked out when the general election is most likely to be
Profile picture of The Globe and Mail
Once the fresh face of Irish politics, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announces surprise resignation
theglobeandmail.com/world/article-ireland-pm-leo-varadkar-resignation/
Once the fresh face of Irish politics, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Taoiseach hints Dancing with the Stars winner is considering a move to politics: Varadkar ruled out ever taking part in the hit show himself
irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41352700.html
Taoiseach hints Dancing with the Stars winner is considering a move to ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Local and European elections to be held on Friday June 7: News from the Irish Examiner's team of reporters
irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41353144.html
Local and European elections to be held on Friday June 7
Profile picture of Financial Times
Irish voters reject constitutional referendums on women and the family: Government concedes defeat over proposals to redefine ‘family’ and scrap references to ...
ft.com/content/5683810e-c5b5-4bcc-a861-79c54ffe7427
Irish voters reject constitutional referendums on women and the family
Profile picture of The Irish Times
Pat Leahy: Seven lessons for Leo Varadkar from the career of John Bruton: Don't always take the advice of officials' and don't play into your opponents' hands - ...
irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/02/10/seven-lessons-for-leo-varadkar-from-the-career-of-john-bruton/
Pat Leahy: Seven lessons for Leo Varadkar from the career of John Bruton
Profile picture of Irish Independent
Profile picture of The Irish Times
Taoiseach dismisses idea of ‘super-election’ in June: Comments come amid rising speculation of Autumn election
irishtimes.com/politics/2024/01/07/taoiseach-not-planning-early-general-election-in-2024/
Taoiseach dismisses idea of ‘super-election’ in June
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd to step down at next General Election: Mr O'Dowd has become the latest of several Fine Gael TDs who have announced the will be ...
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41278414.html
Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd to step down at next General Election
Profile picture of Irish Independent
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on speculation about an early election in 2024: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on speculation about an early election in 2024.
independent.ie/videos/taoiseach-leo-varadkar-on-speculation-about-an-early-election-in-2024/a1913708309.html
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on speculation about an early election in 2024
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Rugby player and radio DJ in the mix for Fine Gael's local election ticket: Leo Varadkar told his party's special conference that 70% of Fine Gael's ...
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41272909.html
Rugby player and radio DJ in the mix for Fine Gael's local election ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Under the current system, the parliamentary party accounts for 65% of the vote, while ordinary members contribute 25% and councillors 10%
Profile picture of The Irish Times
Michael McDowell: Prospect of an early election is looming large in the imaginations of many in Leinster House
irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/11/08/prospect-of-an-early-election-is-looming-large-in-the-imaginations-of-many-in-leinster-house/
Michael McDowell: Prospect of an early election is looming large in the ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
'Inevitable' Varadkar will leave politics if Fine Gael go into opposition, says senator
irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41262196.html
'Inevitable' Varadkar will leave politics if Fine Gael go into ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Leo Varadkar will lead Fine Gael into next election, say TDs: It comes amid intense speculation around Leinster House in recent weeks over whether Mr Varadkar ...
irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41259175.html
Leo Varadkar will lead Fine Gael into next election, say TDs
Profile picture of The Irish Times
Mary Lou McDonald most popular choice for taoiseach, Irish Times poll finds: Four in ten voters want Sinn Féin in next Government, but party also faces most ...
irishtimes.com/politics/2023/09/29/mary-lou-mcdonald-most-popular-choice-for-taoiseach-irish-times-poll-finds/
Mary Lou McDonald most popular choice for taoiseach, Irish Times poll ...
Quick Glance: Mary Lou McDonald tops poll as most popular choice for Taoiseach
  • 32% of voters prefer Mary Lou McDonald as the next Taoiseach.

  • Over 40% of voters want Sinn Féin to be part of the next government.

  • 38% of voters believe it's time for radical change in the government's approach.

  • 26% prioritize free GP care for all in the budget.
Profile picture of The Irish Times
Diarmaid Ferriter: Leo Varadkar seems poised to channel his inner de Valera: How much political mileage is in the Government’s insistence that ‘the centre must ...
irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/10/06/diarmaid-ferriter-leo-varadkar-seems-poised-to-channel-his-inner-de-valera/
Diarmaid Ferriter: Leo Varadkar seems poised to channel his inner de ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
'Time to pass the baton': Former justice minister Charlie Flanagan will not contest next election
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41234380.html
'Time to pass the baton': Former justice minister Charlie ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Tadgh McNally: Poor turnout at Fine Gael think-in raises questions about Varadkar's support
irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41227498.html
Tadgh McNally: Poor turnout at Fine Gael think-in raises questions about ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Leo's floral tribute to Mary Lou not a sign of coalition cosying: Niceties came to an abrupt halt with the Sinn Féin leader criticising the Government ...
irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41227405.html
Leo's floral tribute to Mary Lou not a sign of coalition cosying
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Fine Gael is not critically endangered, Taoiseach says on Fota trip: Mr Varadkar, who almost a decade ago said he planned to step down from politics by the time ...
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41222332.html
Fine Gael is not critically endangered, Taoiseach says on Fota trip
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Varadkar: There’s a ‘very good chance’ the ruling coalition will be re-elected: News from the Irish Examiner's team of reporters
irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41195965.html
Varadkar: There’s a ‘very good chance’ the ruling coalition will be ...
Profile picture of The Irish Times
Varadkar: 'I'll keep paying my TV licence': Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he hopes the Government will again look at restructuring and reorganising ...
irishtimes.com/video/video/2023/07/06/varadkar-ill-keep-paying-my-tv-licence/
Varadkar: 'I'll keep paying my TV licence'
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
The Taoiseach has ruled out an early general election and has as confirmed he will lead his party into the next poll.Leo Varadkar has not given any ... Show more
Profile picture of Irish Independent
Profile picture of Irish Independent
Fine Gael politician quits party: ‘We’re not looking after the people we’re supposed to be looking after’
independent.ie/irish-news/fine-gael-politician-quits-party-were-not-looking-after-the-people-were-supposed-to-be-looking-after/a79383868.html
Fine Gael politician quits party: ‘We’re not looking after the people ...
Profile picture of RTE.ie
Varadkar 'not concerned' over loss of key FG colleagues: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says he is "not the slightest bit concerned" that key party ...
rte.ie/news/politics/2023/0420/1378222-varadkar-fg/
Varadkar 'not concerned' over loss of key FG colleagues
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Ahern does not rule out Irish presidential bid as he warns against speculation: Speculation has circulated on what role the former Fianna Fáil leader would take ...
irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41086525.html
Ahern does not rule out Irish presidential bid as he warns against ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Bertie Ahern denies he rejoined Fianna Fáil to run for president: 'At this stage, I have no thoughts about the next presidential election. I’m not ruling it out ...
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41073803.html
Bertie Ahern denies he rejoined Fianna Fáil to run for president
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Mick Clifford: Why Bertie will never be president: There is only one issue in any race for the Áras and that is character
irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41068604.html
Mick Clifford: Why Bertie will never be president
Profile picture of Irish Independent
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Up to nine Fine Gael TDs expected not to run in next general election: Up to nine Fine Gael TDs expected not to run in next general election: A comprehensive ...
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41058002.html
Up to nine Fine Gael TDs expected not to run in next general election
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Daniel McConnell: As mass exodus looms, are Fine Gael’s best days behind it?: Leo Varadkar has returned as Taoiseach, but his party is increasingly looking in ...
irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41058563.html
Daniel McConnell: As mass exodus looms, are Fine Gael’s best days behind ...
Profile picture of The Irish Times
Paschal Donohoe says donation made to FG in excess of allowable limit will be refunded
irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2023/01/24/dail-live-paschal-donohoe-set-to-make-statement-on-election-expenses-controversy/
Paschal Donohoe says donation made to FG in excess of allowable limit will ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
On The Plinth: Varadkar wants the trophy, but his team is walking off the pitch: On The Plinth: Varadkar wants the trophy, but his team is walking off the pitch: ...
irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41060270.html
On The Plinth: Varadkar wants the trophy, but his team is walking off the ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Daniel McConnell: Donohoe’s credibility is being eroded by a minor controversy: Daniel McConnell: Donohoe’s credibility is being eroded by a minor controversy: A ...
irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41053421.html
Daniel McConnell: Donohoe’s credibility is being eroded by a minor ...
Profile picture of The Irish Times
Taoiseach defends Donohoe as ‘man of integrity’ amid election expenses controversy
irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2023/01/18/taoiseach-defends-donohoe-as-man-of-integrity-amid-election-expenses-controversy/
Taoiseach defends Donohoe as ‘man of integrity’ amid election expenses ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Donohoe informed Taoiseach that Michael Stone would make statement on postering controversy
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41056193.html
Donohoe informed Taoiseach that Michael Stone would make statement on ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Sinn Fein-led government would mean ‘fewer jobs and lower incomes’ – Varadkar: Sinn Fein-led government would mean ‘fewer jobs and lower incomes’ – Varadkar: A ...
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41039006.html
Sinn Fein-led government would mean ‘fewer jobs and lower incomes’ – ...
Profile picture of Irish Examiner
Martin to take on Foreign Affairs while Coveney moved to Enterprise and Employment
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41030795.html
Martin to take on Foreign Affairs while Coveney moved to Enterprise and ...
Quick Glance: Why Ireland's Leo Varadkar became Taoiseach again under a coalition agreement with Micheál Martin
  • On Saturday, Fine Gael leader and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar will take over as Taoiseach.

  • Mr Martin has been Fianna Fail's leader since 2011, and he will be Taoiseach from June 2020 to December 2022.

  • President of Ireland Michael D Higgins and Micheal Martin in Dublin after his resignation as Taoiseach.

  • Mr Varadkar was previously Taoiseach from 2017 to 2020, leading a minority Fine Gael administration that relied on an agreement with Fianna Fáil to keep power.