A Tory boy? No one seriously believes Varadkar was ‘right wing’ any more

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Apr 15

Matt Cooper: Sinn Féin’s ‘angry/happy’ routine last week exposes fear of being outflanked by populists

businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/matt-cooper-sinn-feins-angry-happy-routine-last-week-exposes-fear-of-being-outflanked-by-populis/

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Apr 12

Micheál Martin: We cannot go into government with Sinn Féin over its EU policies: The Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader was speaking as the party’s Ard Fheis got ...

businesspost.ie/news/micheal-martin-we-cannot-go-into-government-with-sinn-fein-over-its-eu-policies/

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Apr 20

Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris Dukes It Out on TikTok: Welcome to the weekend issue of Brussels Edition, Bloomberg’s daily briefing on what matters most ...

bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-04-20/ireland-s-prime-minister-simon-harris-dukes-it-out-on-tiktok

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The Irish Times

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13h

Do Peadar Tóibín and Aontú have their finger on the public pulse?: The conservative one-TD party is riding high after being the only party to call for no-no ...

irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/27/do-peadar-toibin-and-aontu-have-their-finger-on-the-public-pulse/

44

10h

‘I nearly chickened out the night before’ – Leo Varadkar says on stepping down as Taoiseach

independent.ie/irish-news/politics/i-nearly-chickened-out-the-night-before-leo-varadkar-says-on-stepping-down-as-taoiseach/a1146709435.html

89

Apr 25

Leo Varadkar to reveal why he stepped down as Taoiseach on the Late Late Show: Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will appear on this week’s Late Late Show in his ...

sundayworld.com/showbiz/tv/varadkar-to-reveal-why-he-stepped-down-on-the-late-late-show/a1670312249.html

98

Apr 15

Terry Prone: Sinn Féin’s stale predictability leaves it as cutting edge as a butter knife

irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41373664.html

89

Apr 09

Varadkar warns against ‘toxicity’ of political debate as Harris elected taoiseach

businesspost.ie/politics/varadkar-warns-against-toxicity-of-political-debate-as-harris-set-to-be-elected-taoiseach/

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Apr 21

Gerry Adams ‘stole shrubs from Hillsborough Castle to plant at home’: ?A former British secretary of state has claimed Gerry Adams pinched plants from the ...

belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/gerry-adams-stole-shrubs-from-hillsborough-castle-to-plant-at-home/a406467300.html

92

Apr 09

Leo Varadkar: United Ireland 'should never be about money': Mr Varadkar reacted to a study which suggested the initial cost could be between €8bn and €20bn a ...

bbc.com/news/articles/cmm3nlqjz6lo

210

Apr 13

Sinn Féin is now out of touch with its own supporters, claims Aontú leader: Mary Lou McDonald ‘wrong-footed’ on major issues as party seeks centre ground to ...

irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/13/sinn-fein-is-now-out-of-touch-with-its-own-supporters-claims-aontu-leader/

94

Apr 17

Taoiseach refuses to apologise to Sinn Féin over health budget claim : Simon Harris hit out at Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald for what he called 'faux ...

irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41376646.html

26

Apr 21

Govt to give 'serious consideration' to Stardust redress: Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said that the Government will give "serious ...

rte.ie/news/ireland/2024/0421/1444826-stardust-dublin/

40

Apr 09

Simon Harris elected new Irish PM, promising 'new ideas, energy': Simon Harris became Ireland's youngest ever prime minister on Tuesday, pledging to bring new ...

reuters.com/world/europe/simon-harris-elected-new-irish-prime-minister-2024-04-09/

Quick Glance: Simon Harris Becomes Ireland's Youngest Prime Minister

Simon Harris has been officially sworn in as Ireland's youngest prime minister, succeeding Leo Varadkar who abruptly stepped down last month. Harris, 37, took the helm of the ruling Fine Gael party but faces challenges as the party trails behind Sinn Fein in polls.

A rapid riser in Ireland's political hierarchy, Harris has made a name for himself as Health Minister and most recently as Minister for Higher Education and Science. His political identity as a young politician has been marked by both supporters and critics, particularly standing out with younger voters and on social media platforms like TikTok.

Varadkar's government grappled with challenges such as housing crisis and increasing immigration numbers. Harris inherits a tough political landscape, especially with upcoming elections until March 2025. The political landscape in Ireland has shifted, with Sinn Fein emerging as a rising political force, leading to a shift in the traditional party landscape.

While Harris sees the idea of a potential reunification of Ireland as a legitimate aspiration, his focus remains on current challenges like housing crisis, rising cost of living, and immigration. Despite political changes and discussions about potential reunification, Ireland's future remains uncertain and complex.

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Apr 15

All smiles as coalition moves to outflank Sinn Féin in twilight months: Government parties have regrouped following election of Simon Harris as Taoiseach

businesspost.ie/news/all-smiles-as-coalition-moves-to-outflank-sinn-fein-in-twilight-months/

0

Apr 10

Mick Clifford: Sinn Féin chasing votes in the gutter of lies : Mary Lou McDonald’s party wants voters back and appears willing to go to extreme lengths of ...

irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41370928.html

77

Apr 17

Housing minister urges Sinn Féin politicians to clarify position on housing schemes

irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41375686.html

15

Apr 17

Harris and Sinn Féin clash over healthcare as end comes to niceties: Mary Lou McDonald highlights ‘record’ quarter of a million hospital appointment ...

irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2024/04/17/harris-and-sinn-fein-clash-over-healthcare-as-end-comes-to-niceties/

23

Apr 15

Fianna Fáil grassroots members open to Sinn Féin coalition — but with Michelle O'Neill as leader

irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41374753.html

21

Apr 21

Mick Clifford: Some politicians succumbing to pressure of appeasing voters’ irrational fears

irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41377777.html

8

Apr 08

Leo Varadkar to make last visit to NI as taoiseach: He will attend the first meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council in more than two years.

bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-68740682

226

Apr 10

‘No-show Taoiseach’: Harris lambasted for being ‘as láthair’ on first full day in office

irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/10/no-show-taoiseach-harris-lambasted-for-being-as-lathair-on-first-full-day-in-office/

58

Apr 18

Apprenticeship system in crisis, Dáil hears: The apprenticeship system is in crisis and that there is a backlog of 9,000 people waiting to qualify in trades ...

rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0418/1444281-apprenticeship/

54

Apr 08

Leo Varadkar to meet with Northern leaders in last major job as Taoiseach: Varadkar will formally resign as coalition leader on Monday evening

businesspost.ie/politics/leo-varadkar-to-meet-with-northern-leaders-in-last-major-job-as-taoiseach/

0

Apr 09

Politicians should 'respect each other better' - Varadkar: Politicians have a responsibility not to encourage toxicity in public debate ...

rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0409/1442530-leo-varadkar-dail/

152

Apr 23

Lobbying in Leinster House: How Dáil chair’s private dining room was used by big business

independent.ie/opinion/analysis/lobbying-in-leinster-house-how-dail-chairs-private-dining-room-was-used-by-big-business/a1081832731.html

16

Apr 09

Varadkar: 'It has been the most fulfilling and rewarding time of my life'

irishtimes.com/video/politics/oireachtas/2024/04/09/varadkar-it-has-been-the-most-fulfilling-and-rewarding-time-of-my-life/

36

Apr 09

Varadkar resigns as Taoiseach with ‘no regrets’ as Harris loyalists eye promotion

irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/09/varadkar-resigns-as-taoiseach-with-no-regrets-as-harris-loyalists-eye-promotion/

41

Apr 14

Fianna Fáil grassroots ‘optimistic’ about outdoing Sinn Féin in local elections: Party members express views on targets, party leaders and potential coalition ...

irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/14/fianna-fail-grassroots-optimistic-about-local-elections-amid-sinn-fein-competition/

20

Apr 19

More than 1,000 registering for apprenticeships over past three years have dropped out, Dáil told

irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2024/04/18/more-than-1000-registering-for-apprenticeships-over-past-three-years-have-dropped-out-dail-told/

9

Apr 11

Sinn Féin claims Government 'deliberately made a choice' to underfund cancer services

irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41372176.html

11

Apr 09

Simon Harris, the ‘TikTok Taoiseach,’ Is Ireland’s New Leader: The 37-year-old was sworn in Tuesday as the country's youngest ever leader, replacing Leo Varadkar ...

time.com/6965131/simon-harris-ireland-youngest-leader/

38

Apr 11

Sinn Féin proposal that Ireland should 'go it alone' with asylum system 'crazy' - McEntee

irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41371972.html

15

Apr 11

Sinn Féin TD Louise O’Reilly was ‘happy and proud’ last year to back hate-speech bill on which her party has n

independent.ie/irish-news/sinn-fein-td-louise-oreilly-was-happy-and-proud-last-year-to-back-hate-speech-bill-on-which-her-party-has-now-done-a-u-turn/a77376473.html

64

Apr 12

Next election will herald an age of Independents: Series of flip-flops by Sinn Féin on hate speech, the Nature Restoration Law, and the recent referendums raises ...

irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/04/12/next-election-will-herald-an-age-of-independents/

17

Apr 26

Severe staffing shortage at CUH must be addressed as a priority — Ó Laoghaire: Sinn Féin Cork TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said the Health Minister must address the ...

irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41382604.html

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Apr 07

Miriam Lord: Harris’s first ardfheis as leader hears You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet ... a promise or a threat?

irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/07/miriam-lord-harris-first-ardfheis-as-leader-hears-you-aint-seen-nothin-yet-a-promise-or-a-threat/

24

Apr 21

Cliff Taylor: Era of mega-budgets should be over. But the Coalition can't resist temptation

irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/04/20/cliff-taylor-era-of-mega-budgets-isnt-over-but-it-really-should-be/

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The Irish Times

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Apr 13

Pat Leahy: Joe Brolly and Sinn Féin are sick of experts. Have any of them heard of Brexit?

irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/04/13/pat-leahy-joe-brolly-and-sinn-fein-are-sick-of-experts-have-any-of-them-heard-of-brexit/

7

Apr 16

'Disgraceful' that medical professionals had to petition Government for proper cancer funding

irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41375527.html

0

Apr 08

Varadkar to undertake final engagement as Taoiseach in NI: Leo Varadkar will undertake his final engagement as Taoiseach today when he visits Northern Ireland ...

rte.ie/news/ireland/2024/0408/1442185-leo-varadkar/

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Apr 13

Paddy Cosgrave’s high-risk return: ‘He is a fascinating figure ... I think he relishes the notoriety’

irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2024/04/13/paddy-cosgraves-high-risk-return-he-is-a-fascinating-figure-i-think-he-relishes-the-notoriety/

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Irish Examiner

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Apr 09

Fergus Finlay: Here’s my advice to new ministers on how to be successful in the job

irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41369668.html

3

Apr 08

O’Neill says it is ‘business as usual’ for Stormont in aftermath of Donaldson resignation

irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/08/varadkar-confident-northern-ireland-institutions-will-remain-stable-despite-dup-turmoil/

5

Apr 08

Record reveals list of discouraged words and phrases in Leo Varadkar's government

irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41369968.html

3

Apr 13

Elaine Loughlin: Peter Burke is waiting in the wings to become future Fine Gael leader

irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41372875.html

1

Apr 23

Climate action not a ‘priority’ for most Sinn Féin voters, MEP candidate Lynn Boylan says

businesspost.ie/news/climate-action-not-a-priority-for-most-sinn-fein-voters-mep-candidate-lynn-boylan-says/

0

Apr 09

Ireland has a new prime minister: Simon Harris: Simon Harris became Ireland's youngest ever prime minister on Tuesday, succeeding party colleague Leo Varakar ...

ctvnews.ca/world/ireland-has-a-new-prime-minister-simon-harris-1.6839381

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Bloomberg

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Apr 09

Irish Parliament Votes to Appoint Simon Harris Prime Minister: Irish lawmakers voted Simon Harris to be the next prime minister three weeks after Leo Varadkar ...

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-09/irish-parliament-votes-to-appoint-simon-harris-prime-minister

0

Apr 08

Varadkar confident in Stormont stability as he departs office: The taoiseach made his final official visit to Northern Ireland on Monday for the North-South ...

businesspost.ie/news/varadkar-confident-in-stormont-stability-as-he-departs-office/

0

Apr 09

Sketch: Varadkar and Coveney head to the backbenches as Harris pledges continuity of service

businesspost.ie/news-focus/sketch-varadkar-and-coveney-head-to-the-backbenches-as-harris-pledges-continuity-of-service/

0

Apr 09

Ireland: Ireland's new Prime Minister still has a lot of time: Young, dynamic and smart enough not to make reunification an issue at the moment: Something else ...

zeit.de/politik/ausland/2024-04/irland-simon-harris-premierminister-wirtschaft-wiedervereinigung

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Business Post

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Apr 08

Out of Office: Paddy Cosgrave returns and Varadkar resigns: The Business Post gets you up to date with the big stories of the day

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Business Post

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Mar 23

Red C poll: Sinn Féin back down to 25% as independents surpass Fianna Fáil: Mary Lou McDonald’s party had recovered back up to 28 per cent last month but has ...

businesspost.ie/news/red-c-poll-sinn-fein-back-down-to-25-as-independents-surpass-fianna-fail/

260

Apr 06

Simon Harris pledges to fix housing ‘once and for all’ in first ardfheis speech as Fine Gael leader

irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/06/simon-harris-pledges-to-fix-housing-once-and-for-all-in-first-ardfheis-speech-as-fine-gael-leader/

62

Mar 23

Colm Lauder: Varadkar got a lot wrong but one day will be praised for getting housing on track

businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/colm-lauder-varadkars-populism-damaged-property-sector-and-must-be-undone/

77

Mar 20

Matt Cooper: Leo Varadkar saw the writing on the wall and wanted no part of it : Varadkar is hoping his departure will do some favour to his embattled party

businesspost.ie/news-focus/matt-cooper-varadkar-saw-the-writing-on-the-wall-and-wanted-no-part-of-it/

51

Apr 06

Varadkar says FG should prepare for historic fourth term in Government: Varadkar says FG should prepare for historic fourth term in Government: A comprehensive ...

irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41368780.html

60

Mar 25

What Simon Harris needs to do to be a different and successful Taoiseach: The major challenges for Harris are the timing of his elevation and how can he ...

businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/what-simon-harris-needs-to-do-to-be-a-different-and-successful-taoiseach/

Paid articlePaid

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.

5

Mar 31

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris moves to name his inner kitchen cabinet: New Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach-in-waiting has begun to assemble small ...

businesspost.ie/news-focus/fine-gael-leader-simon-harris-moves-to-name-his-inner-kitchen-cabinet/

3

Mar 20

What Ireland Prime Minister Varadkar's Exit Means for Political Landscape: The sudden exit of Prime Minister Leo Varadkar leaves Ireland at a crossroads ...

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-20/ireland-s-next-leader-has-a-tough-job-hold-back-sinn-fein

27

Mar 30

He’s denied it for decades. Now Gerry Adams faces court over IRA links: The former Sinn Fein leader has been named in a High Court case brought by survivors of ...

thetimes.co.uk/article/hes-denied-it-for-decades-now-gerry-adams-faces-court-over-ira-links-fm093pbm7

27

Mar 24

Sinn Féin fall again by three points as Independents make real gains: Latest Red C Poll reflects increasing tension around the migration issue ahead of the local ...

businesspost.ie/politics/sinn-fein-fall-again-by-three-points-as-independents-make-real-gains/

11

Apr 06

'They can't count': Fine Gael on the attack against Sinn Féin at Ard Fheis

irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41368939.html

33

Apr 05

Sinn Féin wanted to extend hate speech bill to give undocumented migrants special protection

independent.ie/irish-news/sinn-fein-wanted-to-extend-hate-speech-bill-to-give-undocumented-migrants-special-protection/a1549686896.html

150

Apr 04

Sinn Féin disputes findings of report suggesting united Ireland to cost €20bn annually

irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/04/sinn-fein-disputes-findings-of-report-suggesting-united-ireland-to-cost-20bn-annually/

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43

Business Post

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Mar 24

Analysis: Leo Varadkar won the hearts of big business but forgot Irish SMEs in the end

businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/analysis-leo-varadkar-won-the-hearts-of-big-business-but-forgot-irish-smes-in-the-end/

9

Mar 30

‘Too old’ Biden again spotted with ‘cheat codes’ in meeting with Irish PM : US President Joe Biden on Friday (Mar 15) was again captured with his ‘cheat codes’ ...

wionews.com/world/too-old-biden-again-spotted-with-cheat-codes-in-meeting-with-irish-pm-700622

43

Apr 06

Kate O’Connell: Varadkar’s decision to stand down was ‘end of dark enough chapter in my life’

irishtimes.com/politics/2024/04/06/kate-oconnell-varadkars-decision-to-stand-down-was-end-of-dark-enough-chapter-in-my-life/

24

Mar 27

Red C poll: Sinn Féin back down to 25% as independents surpass Fianna Fáil: Mary Lou McDonald’s party had recovered back up to 28 per cent last month but has ...

businesspost.ie/news/red-c-poll-sinn-fein-back-down-to-25-as-independents-surpass-fianna-fail/

2

Mar 24

Editorial: Ireland must be at the table in European defence spending plans: Varadkar’s comments about Ireland’s enthusiasm for involvement were overshadowed by ...

businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/editorial-ireland-must-be-at-the-table-in-european-defence-spending-plans/

6

Mar 24

Varadkar departs stage with some successes but far too many failures : Fundamentally, Fine Gael under Leo Varadkar lost touch with its base, and he has allowed ...

businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/varadkar-departs-stage-with-some-successes-but-far-too-many-failures/

4

Mar 27

Politicians ‘almost always tell the truth,’ Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says ahead of last Cabinet meeting

independent.ie/irish-news/politicians-almost-always-tell-the-truth-taoiseach-leo-varadkar-says-ahead-of-last-cabinet-meeting/a1113406588.html

255

Mar 24

Ireland’s Harris Set to Become Prime Minister in Uncontested Bid: Ireland’s Simon Harris was named leader of his liberal Fine Gael party on Sunday ...

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-24/ireland-s-harris-set-to-become-prime-minister-in-uncontested-bid

7

Mar 31

Sun shines as anniversary of Easter Rising marked with GPO ceremony: President Michael D Higgins lays wreath in first public engagement since hospitalisation ...

irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/31/sun-shines-as-anniversary-of-easter-rising-is-marked-with-gpo-ceremony/

47

Mar 22

Ireland’s Donohoe Backs Simon Harris to Be Next Prime Minister: Ireland’s Paschal Donohoe gave his support to Simon Harris, who is the front runner to become the ...

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-22/ireland-s-donohoe-backs-simon-harris-to-be-next-prime-minister