Matt Cooper: Leo Varadkar saw the writing on the wall and wanted no part of it

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‘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

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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

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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 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 09

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

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 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 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/

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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 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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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

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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/

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Apr 08

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

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

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Apr 13

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

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

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Arsenal.com Apr 11

White on selflessness, spirit and celebrations | Feature | News: Our defender on why team sport brings out his best character traits, and why basking in ...

arsenal.com/news/white-selflessness-spirit-and-celebrations

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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

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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/

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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/

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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

businesspost.ie/news/out-of-office-paddy-cosgrave-returns-and-varadkar-resigns/

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The Irish Times

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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/

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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/

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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

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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/

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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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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/

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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 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/

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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

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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

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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

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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

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Mar 24

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/

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Mar 31

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/

93

Mar 27

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/

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Mar 20

Businesses praise Leo Varadkar’s leadership during Covid and Brexit ‘crises’ after shock resignation

businesspost.ie/news/businesses-praise-leo-varadkars-leadership-during-covid-and-brexit-crises-after-shock-resignation/

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Mar 28

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/

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Mar 26

Suzanne Harrington: Giving lessons in the art of resignation could be Leo's next job

irishexaminer.com/lifestyle-columnists/arid-41357959.html

50

Mar 20

Analysis: Leo Varadkar’s resignation. Why now and what next?: The shock resignation of the Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader leaves questions about how we got here ...

businesspost.ie/politics/leo-varadkars-resignation-why-now-and-what-next/

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Mar 15

LIVE: President Joe Biden, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar attend St. Patrick’s Day luncheon

twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1RDGllYZaMEGL

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Mar 18

Leo Varadkar tells Biden: It is possible to be for Israel and for Palestine: The taoiseach told the US president that Irish people were ‘deeply troubled’ by the ...

businesspost.ie/politics/leo-varadkar-tells-biden-it-is-possible-to-be-for-israel-and-for-palestine/

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Mar 25

Terry Prone: We love a resignation and all the drama and intrigue that follows: It’s no accident that one of the most exciting and popular recent TV series was ...

irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41359849.html

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Mar 19

Government examining payments to carers after referendum defeat - Varadkar : The taoiseach said that respite was ‘very deficient’ at the moment

businesspost.ie/article/government-examining-payments-to-carers-after-referendum-defeat-varadkar/

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Mar 24

Mark Redmond: Varadkar never failed to show up when it came to winning investment for Ireland

businesspost.ie/analysis-opinion/mark-redmond-varadkar-never-failed-to-show-up-when-it-came-to-winning-investment-for-ireland/

0

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/

1

Mar 20

Leo Varadkar: The GP who became Ireland's youngest taoiseach: Varadkar also made history as the first gay PM and the first from an ethnic minority background.

bbc.com/news/world-europe-40134140

267

Mar 22

Leo Varadkar: Taoiseach denies resignation conspiracy theories: Rumours over why Leo Varadkar decided to resign have persisted since the announcement.

bbc.com/news/articles/cydzg285pjjo

218

Mar 20

Opposition leaders call for general election in wake of Varadkar decision: Opposition leaders have called on the Government to hold a general election after Leo ...

irishtimes.com/video/politics/oireachtas/2024/03/20/opposition-leaders-call-for-general-election-in-wake-of-varadkar-decision/

81

Mar 15

Leo Varadkar takes aim at Lisa Chambers over ‘no-no’ referendum vote: Taoiseach says he votes in line with how he campaigns

businesspost.ie/politics/leo-varadkar-takes-aim-at-lisa-chambers-over-no-no-referendum-vote/

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Mar 20

Markets react to Leo Varadkar resignation: Poor timing for Ireland as NTMA plots €1bn bond auction

businesspost.ie/news/markets-react-to-leo-varadkar-resignation-poor-timing-for-ireland-as-ntma-plots-e1bn-bond-auction/

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Mar 18

“We See Our History in Their Eyes” Irish Leader Calls for Gaza Ceasefire in White House Address

democracynow.org/2024/3/18/headlines/we_see_our_history_in_their_eyes_irish_leader_calls_for_gaza_ceasefire_in_white_house_address

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Business Post

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Mar 21

Varadkar hasn’t decided if he will stand in next election: The taoiseach said he would make a decision in the next few months about whether to contest the next ...

businesspost.ie/politics/leo-varadkar-hasnt-decided-if-he-will-stand-in-next-election/

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Mar 24

Poll suggests drop in support for Sinn Féin but rise for Aontú and Independents: Support for Fine Gael is down one point at 19%, but the survey was conducted ...

irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41359762.html

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Mar 20

Leo Varadkar's most viral moments as he steps down as Taoiseach: From 'welfare cheats cheat us all' to the letter to Kylie Minogue

irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41357473.html

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Mar 21

Leo Varadkar says he ‘definitely’ does not want EU job: The taoiseach is on his way to a summit of EU leaders in Brussels

businesspost.ie/news/leo-varadkar-says-he-definitely-does-not-want-eu-job/

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Mar 25

Biden hails good relationship with Varadkar in phone call: US President Joe Biden has spoken with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar 'to recognise his years of service ...

rte.ie/news/2024/0325/1439921-biden-leo/

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Mar 24

The Inside Story: It is understood that Varadkar had not told anyone other than Brian Murphy, his chief of staff before Tuesday morning and talk of Donohoe ... Show more

Inside story of Leo’s departure and Simon’s ascension : From Varadkar’s cabinet announcement to Harris’ final manoeuvrers, here’s how the change in the Fine ...

businesspost.ie/news/inside-story-of-leos-departure-and-simons-ascension/

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Irish Examiner

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Mar 20

Mick Clifford: Leo Varadkar grew politically over the years but never became a vote magnet

irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-41357566.html

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Mar 20

Leo Varadkar expected to announce resignation as leader of Fine Gael: The Taoiseach’s announcement is due this afternoon and comes after devastating referendum ...

businesspost.ie/politics/coveney-pulls-out-of-amcham-event-as-government-prepares-for-major-announcement/

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Mar 19

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/

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Mar 20

After all these years, Leo the lion no longer the king of the political jungle: Well, he did once say he's get out before he was fifty.

independent.ie/irish-news/after-all-these-years-leo-the-lion-no-longer-the-king-of-the-political-jungle/a1180178626.html

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Mar 27

Opinion | How Ireland Fell Out of Love With Joe Biden: The president’s complicity with Israel’s assault on Gaza has damaged his relationship with the Irish ...

nytimes.com/2024/03/27/opinion/biden-ireland-gaza-varadkar.html

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Mar 23

Paul Hosford: No longer the man for the job, Leo Varadkar’s life is now changed immeasurably

irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41358823.html

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Mar 23

Elaine Loughlin: Opposition let themselves down with attacks on Leo Varadkar in the Dáil

irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41359195.html

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Mar 24

‘Not the right man for the job’: What was behind Irish PM’s shock resignation?: Prime Minister Leo Varadkar sent shockwaves through Ireland when he candidly ...

cnn.com/2024/03/24/europe/ireland-taoiseach-varadkar-resignation-reason-intl/

86

Mar 20

Leo Varadkar is Fine Gael's latest departure. Who else is stepping down?: Leo Varadkar is Fine Gael's latest departure. Who else is stepping down?: A ...

irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41357638.html

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Mar 20

Varadkar resignation will not prompt early general election — Martin: While Mr Martin said he was surprised by the Taoiseach’s announcement, he insisted that the ...

irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41357353.html

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Irish Independent

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Mar 23

A Tory boy? No one seriously believes Varadkar was ‘right wing’ any more: Who here remembers Margaret Thatcher, the Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams rhetorically ...

independent.ie/business/a-tory-boy-no-one-seriously-believes-varadkar-was-right-wing-any-more/a1665338438.html

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Mar 20

Brexit allies and sparring partners in UK pay tribute to Leo Varadkar: The outgoing Taoiseach has been praised by Rishi Sunak and Jeffrey Donaldson

businesspost.ie/politics/brexit-allies-and-sparring-partners-in-uk-pay-tribute-to-leo-varadkar/

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Mar 24

Whatever happened to Kamala Harris? ‘They have kept her away from public appearances’

irishtimes.com/world/2024/03/23/whatever-happened-to-kamala-harris-they-have-kept-her-away-from-public-appearances/

Quick Glance: Harris Warns of Consequences if Israel Invades Rafah

Vice President Kamala Harris warns Israel of possible 'consequences' if a planned invasion of Rafah continues in its pursuit of Hamas fighters.

The U.N. estimates that approximately 1.4 million people currently reside in the city located on Gaza's southern border with Egypt.

Harris emphasized in an interview with ABC News that a major military operation in Rafah would be a huge mistake and there is nowhere for the residents to go.