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Ceann Comhairle inadvertently introduces Mary Lou McDonald as Taoiseach: Laughter descends on Dáil Éireann as Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl inadvertently ...
irishtimes.com/video/politics/oireachtas/2022/09/14/ceann-comhairle-inadvertently-introduces-mary-lou-mcdonald-as-taoiseach/
Ceann Comhairle inadvertently introduces Mary Lou McDonald as Taoiseach
More news on this subject
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Ceann Comhairle inadvertently introduces Mary Lou McDonald as Taoiseach: Laughter descends on Dáil Éireann as Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl inadvertently ...
irishtimes.com/video/politics/oireachtas/2022/09/14/ceann-comhairle-inadvertently-introduces-mary-lou-mcdonald-as-taoiseach/
Ceann Comhairle inadvertently introduces Mary Lou McDonald as Taoiseach
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Terry Prone: Sinn Féin’s stale predictability leaves it as cutting edge as a butter knife
irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41373664.html
Terry Prone: Sinn Féin’s stale predictability leaves it as cutting edge as ...
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800 chemotherapy appts for children cancelled, Dáil told: A quarter of a million hospital appointments were cancelled last year, including 800 chemotherapy ...
rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0417/1444046-dail-latest/
800 chemotherapy appts for children cancelled, Dáil told
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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
Taoiseach refuses to apologise to Sinn Féin over health budget claim 
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‘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/
‘No-show Taoiseach’: Harris lambasted for being ‘as láthair’ on first full ...
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Fianna Fáil grassroots members open to Sinn Féin coalition — but with Michelle O'Neill as leader
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41374753.html
Fianna Fáil grassroots members open to Sinn Féin coalition — but with ...
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Government accused of 'sitting on its hands' on abortion care reform: Holly Cairns accused the Government of inaction on the matter
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41375866.html
Government accused of 'sitting on its hands' on abortion care ...
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The boy who would be Taoiseach: ‘It’s not true that he always wanted to be a politician,’ say Simon Harris’s p
independent.ie/irish-news/the-boy-who-would-be-taoiseach-its-not-true-that-he-always-wanted-to-be-a-politician-say-simon-harriss-parents/a1587286447.html
The boy who would be Taoiseach: ‘It’s not true that he always wanted to be ...
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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/
Sun shines as anniversary of Easter Rising marked with GPO ceremony
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Elaine Loughlin: Simon Harris will not be allowed to forget past failings: Opposition has already made it clear that his time in health will be a key point of ...
irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41370994.html
Elaine Loughlin: Simon Harris will not be allowed to forget past failings
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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.
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‘We didn’t do our job well enough’: Minister of State criticises colleagues over referendum campaign
irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/10/we-didnt-do-our-job-well-enough-minister-of-state-criticises-colleagues-over-referendum-campaign/
‘We didn’t do our job well enough’: Minister of State criticises ...
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Blame game under way after dual Dublin Castle clobbering: Ten years ago Enda Kenny stood in the courtyard of Dublin Castle and said his government had been dealt ...
rte.ie/news/analysis-and-comment/2024/0309/1436943-referendums-analysis/
Blame game under way after dual Dublin Castle clobbering
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President Michael D Higgins votes in referendums: President Michael D Higgins was among those to vote on proposed changes to the Constitution ...
rte.ie/news/ireland/2024/0308/1436773-president-michael-d-higgins/
President Michael D Higgins votes in referendums
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Far-right agitators interrupt Mary Lou McDonald as Sinn Féin leader reacts to referenda 
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41349280.html
Far-right agitators interrupt Mary Lou McDonald as Sinn Féin leader reacts ...
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‘I’ve seen her on the news a lot’: Teenage girls on Mary Lou McDonald, Holly Cairns and women who inspire them
irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2024/03/03/i-dont-know-much-about-her-but-ive-seen-her-on-the-news-a-lot-teenage-girls-on-mary-lou-and-other-role-models/
‘I’ve seen her on the news a lot’: Teenage girls on Mary Lou McDonald ...
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Ceann Comhairle raises concern over solar farm near Naas: Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl has raised concerns over a planned €100m solar farm that is to span ...
rte.ie/news/business/2024/0312/1437543-ceann-comhairle-raises-concern-over-solar-farm-near-naas/
Ceann Comhairle raises concern over solar farm near Naas
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Varadkar rules out reopening emergency departments in Mid-West regional hospitals to combat trolley crisis in Limerick
irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2024/03/05/varadkar-rules-out-reopening-emergency-departments-in-mid-west-regional-hospitals-to-combat-trolley-crisis-in-limerick/
Varadkar rules out reopening emergency departments in Mid-West regional ...
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Tadgh McNally: Government looks at next steps to take after messy referendum: Tadgh McNally: Government looks at next steps to take after messy referendum: A ...
irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41349694.html
Tadgh McNally: Government looks at next steps to take after messy ...
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Yes Minister: How will Sinn Féin and civil servants get on?: Unlike Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, civil servants have no experience of dealing with Sinn Féin as ...
irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41339681.html
Yes Minister: How will Sinn Féin and civil servants get on?
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Top civil servant moved as officials plan for Sinn Féin election success: News from the Irish Examiner's team of reporters
irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41339696.html
Top civil servant moved as officials plan for Sinn Féin election success
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Irish unification referendum by 2030, Sinn Fein leader tells Sky News: A referendum on unifying Ireland and Northern Ireland will happen within the next six ...
news.sky.com/story/irish-unification-referendum-by-2030-sinn-fein-leader-tells-sky-news-13066545
Irish unification referendum by 2030, Sinn Fein leader tells Sky News
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Mary Lou McDonald expects vote on Irish unity ‘this decade’: Ms McDonald’s comments echo earlier remarks from Michelle O’Neill, who said we are entering a ...
irishtimes.com/politics/2024/02/04/michelle-oneill-says-she-expects-vote-on-irish-unity-in-next-10-years/
Mary Lou McDonald expects vote on Irish unity ‘this decade’
Quick Glance: Historic Milestone: First Nationalist Minister Appointed in Northern Ireland
  • Michelle O'Neill from Sinn Fein has made history as the first nationalist minister in Northern Ireland.

  • The deputy first minister will be Emma Little-Pengelly from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

  • According to the Good Friday Agreement, the deputy minister has the same authority as the first minister.

  • In her speech, which started in Irish, Ms O'Neill said: 'Today opens the door to the future - a shared future.'
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Donaldson: A united Ireland 'is just not where we are': DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has dismissed Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald's assertion ...
irishtimes.com/video/politics/2024/02/13/donaldson-a-united-ireland-is-just-not-where-we-are/
Donaldson: A united Ireland 'is just not where we are'
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Sinn Féin would rerun family and care referendum, Mary Lou McDonald says: Party president said Government's wording was an 'opportunity missed' and Sinn Féin in ...
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41335918.html
Sinn Féin would rerun family and care referendum, Mary Lou McDonald says
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Mary Lou McDonald to ‘reflect’ and ‘correct things’ in wake of poll slump for Sinn Féin
irishtimes.com/politics/2024/02/08/its-all-to-play-for-varadkar-says-poll-findings-suggest-outcome-of-next-general-election-wide-open/
Mary Lou McDonald to ‘reflect’ and ‘correct things’ in wake of poll slump ...
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The Politics Fix: Sinn Féin and Mary Lou McDonald are winners this week - until the poll
irishtimes.com/politics/2024/02/09/sinn-fein-poll-mary-lou-mcdonald-stormont-john-bruton-family-care-referendums/
The Politics Fix: Sinn Féin and Mary Lou McDonald are winners this week - ...
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Varadkar expresses ‘concern’ that SF could decide RTÉ's funding as leader sues broadcaster
irishtimes.com/politics/oireachtas/2024/02/14/varadkar-expresses-concern-that-sf-could-decide-rtes-funding-as-leader-sues-broadcaster/
Varadkar expresses ‘concern’ that SF could decide RTÉ's funding as leader ...
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TV licence fee could come down if tax was collected by Revenue, says Tánaiste: However, Micheál Martin said there is political concern over changing the method ...
irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41327923.html
TV licence fee could come down if tax was collected by Revenue ...
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Watch: New First Minister 'moment of great significance': Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said it will be a moment of "very great ...
rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0130/1429425-sinn-fein-stormont/
Watch: New First Minister 'moment of great significance'
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Mary Lou McDonald calls for TV licence to be scrapped: The Sinn Féin leader has said her party want to abolish the controversial TV licence and invest Exchequer ...
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41321626.html
Mary Lou McDonald calls for TV licence to be scrapped
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First Sinn Féin first minister ‘shows Irish unity is within touching distance’: News from the Irish Examiner's team of reporters
irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41321101.html
First Sinn Féin first minister ‘shows Irish unity is within touching ...
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Diarmaid Ferriter: History would suggest Mary Lou McDonald’s comment about unity “within touching distance” is wildly exaggerated
irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/02/02/diarmaid-ferriter-history-would-suggest-mcdonalds-comment-about-unity-within-touching-distance-is-wildly-exaggerated/
Diarmaid Ferriter: History would suggest Mary Lou McDonald’s comment about ...
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'A disgrace': Mary Lou McDonald's top among complaints to Ceann Comhairle
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41321530.html
'A disgrace': Mary Lou McDonald's top among complaints to ...
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Nothern Ireland’s new First Minister believes a vote on unification will come within a decade
theglobeandmail.com/world/article-nothern-irelands-new-first-minister-believes-a-vote-on-unification/
Nothern Ireland’s new First Minister believes a vote on unification will ...
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Man charged in killing outside Lenexa McDonald’s told police he acted in self-defense
kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article284868106.html
Man charged in killing outside Lenexa McDonald’s told police he acted in ...
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Live updates: New Taoiseach Simon Harris names his Cabinet : The new Cabinet has arrived in the Dáil chamber.
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41370313.html
Live updates: New Taoiseach Simon Harris names his Cabinet 
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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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/
Simon Harris pledges to fix housing ‘once and for all’ in first ardfheis ...
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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/
Politicians should 'respect each other better' - Varadkar
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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
Varadkar says FG should prepare for historic fourth term in Government
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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/
Varadkar resigns as Taoiseach with ‘no regrets’ as Harris loyalists eye ...
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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/
Simon Harris, the ‘TikTok Taoiseach,’ Is Ireland’s New Leader
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‘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
‘Too old’ Biden again spotted with ‘cheat codes’ in meeting with Irish PM
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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/
Kate O’Connell: Varadkar’s decision to stand down was ‘end of dark enough ...
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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/
Miriam Lord: Harris’s first ardfheis as leader hears You Ain’t Seen ...
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GPO commemoration to mark 1916 Easter Rising: President Michael D Higgins led a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising at the GPO in Dublin ...
rte.ie/news/2024/0331/1440931-1916-commemoration/
GPO commemoration to mark 1916 Easter Rising
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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/
Varadkar to undertake final engagement as Taoiseach in NI
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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/
Paddy Cosgrave’s high-risk return: ‘He is a fascinating figure .. ...
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Fergus Finlay: Here’s my advice to new ministers on how to be successful in the job
irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41369668.html
Fergus Finlay: Here’s my advice to new ministers on how to be successful ...
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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/
O’Neill says it is ‘business as usual’ for Stormont in aftermath of ...
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Record reveals list of discouraged words and phrases in Leo Varadkar's government
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41369968.html
Record reveals list of discouraged words and phrases in Leo ...
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Elaine Loughlin: Peter Burke is waiting in the wings to become future Fine Gael leader
irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41372875.html
Elaine Loughlin: Peter Burke is waiting in the wings to become future Fine ...
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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
Irish Parliament Votes to Appoint Simon Harris Prime Minister
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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
Ireland: Ireland's new Prime Minister still has a lot of time
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Opinion: A tale of two wunderkind PMs, and why one stepped down: Like Ireland's Leo Varadkar, Justin Trudeau swept into power as a charismatic leader ...
montrealgazette.com/opinion/opinion-a-tale-of-two-wunderkind-pms-and-why-one-stepped-down
Opinion: A tale of two wunderkind PMs, and why one stepped down
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If politicians like Varadkar and Ardern are burnt out, it’s a sign of the corrosive nature of politics
irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/03/27/if-politicians-like-varadkar-and-ardern-are-burnt-out-its-a-sign-of-the-corrosive-nature-of-politics/
If politicians like Varadkar and Ardern are burnt out, it’s a sign of the ...
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Finn McRedmond: Britain’s narrow stereotype of the Irish could not make sense of Leo Varadkar
irishtimes.com/opinion/2024/03/28/britains-narrow-stereotype-of-the-irish-could-not-make-sense-of-leo-varadkar/
Finn McRedmond: Britain’s narrow stereotype of the Irish could not make ...