A local senator has paid tribute to Leo Varadkar following his announcement today that he will be standing down from his role as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael. Speaking to Northern Sound, Fine Gael senator Joe O'Reilly described today's announcement as a "huge surprise." The Cavan representative also described Mr Varadkar as "very decent human-being" who led the country through a number of difficulties over the years such as Covid, Brexit and the cost of living crisis.
Senator O'Reilly said, "He is a very nice man on a personal level, very humane, understanding and an empathetic individual. He has the traits of a doctor and those who met him during his travels throughout Cavan and Monaghan will all say that he actually listened and engaged with them. He was very interested in people and their welfare."
Rumours started circulating this morning about a major political announcement coming from the Taoiseach this afternoon. It was billed as a political earthquake and then just after 12 an emotional Leo Varadkar walked down the steps of Government Buildings and announced he was resigning as Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach. He said his reasons were both political and personal – that it was time to pass the baton on - to renew the Government and his party.
