Dear Reader,
In reflection on Leo Varadkar’s imminent stepping down as Taoiseach, it’s crucial to give credit to his defining contributions in three vital facets of recent Irish history.
Primarily, his composed and lucid guidance during the national crisis caused by the global pandemic was a semblance of peace and certainty to the citizens of Ireland. It also communicated a straightforward comprehension of the emerging facts about Covid. However, the stalwart leadership he displayed during the outbreak is perhaps the exemplar of how political leaders can and should communicate distressing information to citizens with confidence, serenity, and precision. Indeed, we owe him our gratitude for this.
Secondly, he showed great bravery in convening former Civil War political adversaries, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, and forging a Coalition involving these erstwhile enemies and, alternatively, holding the role of taoiseach with Micheál Martin. This was a truly groundbreaking manoeuvre.
Thirdly, his resolute stance in advocating for Ireland’s demands in the face of Brexit was commendable, notwithstanding the UK government’s often nonchalant attitude towards the Republic.
No doubt, there will be learnings and appreciations for Mr. Varadkar’s significant role in our nation’s present-day political life.
In unrelated news, the urban liberal elite suffered a considerable defeat last week that led to the Taoiseach’s resignation. The idea that the Fine Gael is seriously contemplating picking its leader from a small group of individuals having the same mindset, considering the referenda results, seems barely believable.
Under Leo Varadkar’s supervision, the Fine Gael hasn’t fared well in elections and referendums, and the prospects for the forthcoming local elections don’t seem promising.
Reflecting on his tenure as Taoiseach, can we confidently say that the current situation is better than when he first ascended to the role?
Unsurety persists on matters of housing and health along with the recent crisis stirred up by immigration, suggesting these concerns remain paramount.
In a different matter, Lucinda Creighton’s appearance on Prime Time last Wednesday stirred a sense of longing and wistfulness, putting her impressive communication skills, composure, and on-screen charisma on full display. Some within Fine Gael might relegate her social conservatism as a problem, yet could such values not serve as the roadmap for the political party to regain the rural, conservative support base it seems to have lost? Why then, can the party dignitaries not reconsider reaching out to Ms Creighton to enhance their current appeal to voters?
Moreover, it is intriguing watching Opposition politicians, who usually appear swift to demand a minister’s or senior officer’s resignation, in disarray upon the actual resignation of someone in the wake of a failed endeavour. This naturally raises the question whether their concern lies more in their failure to demand the resignation or to propose yet another no-confidence vote in time.
In response to a recent query regarding the high rate of former health ministers becoming taoiseach, it could be simply put that a mastery of basic skills, analogous to chopping onions for an executive chef, is a prerequisite for higher office jobs.
Lastly, the apparent dearth of generosity shown to the outgoing Taoiseach in the Dáil by the Opposition was distressingly indicative. It was once an occasion for Opposition members to demonstrate their best selves. In an era where society is being inundated with vulgarism and elected representatives are subjected to online hate and abuse, the missed chance for Opposition TDs to promote civility and basic decency was not only disheartening but equally, quite telling.
In his farewell address, Leo Varadkar expressed his “total belief” that the nation and the economy are in a stable position. However, his assertion prompts the question – to which nation is he referring?
Some believe that Simon Harris is geared for the position of the next Taoiseach. With a year or less to resonate with the public’s sentiment before the election, it is recommended that his initial move should be to remove the Hate Speech Bill, directing the Department of Justice’s attention towards issues of genuine crime and implementing our existing immigration laws. These steps are seen as crucial for the country’s societal harmony. If taken now, these promises provide credibility during their door-to-door campaign a year later.
In April 2020, then-minister Simon Harris mentions on the radio about the existence of 18 coronaviruses before the outbreak of Covid-19, which was acknowledged as a mistake in a subsequent tweet and had asked not to be queried over it. While it’s normal to make mistakes and considering Mr Harris’s commendable traits of being amiable and industrious, the onus is on those electing Fine Gael’s next leader and potential Taoiseach, to ensure they don’t vote for someone who improvises until caught.
Finally, Sinn Féin’s deputy leader Michelle O’Neill’s disparaging and politically biased comments regarding Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s resignation, show that the anticipation of a new era, associated with her election as First Minister, does not extend to crediting the accomplishments of different political party leaders, particularly from the south of the Border.
Dear Sir, – One can’t help but marvel at the speed with which Mr. Simon Harris entered the political arena, which may have even exceeded the impressive 45mph that Harris hawks can achieve. Indeed, it seems the early bird really does catch the worm. Best regards,
DAVID CURRAN,
Knocknacarra,
Galway.
Dear Sir, – Reflecting on my childhood in the 1970s and 1980s, Ireland was an austere and bleak country with no clear signs of progression, weighed down by mass emigration. However, the Ireland of today stands out as one of the happiest and most prosperous nations in the world.
Our progress wasn’t a result of hitting a gold mine or discovering oil reserves. We have witnessed varying capabilities and virtues among the leaders, yet it is undeniable that they have surpassed global standards, immensely improving our mutual prosperity.
Today, the greatest testament to our progress is seen in how we cope with immigration.
In particular, I would commend the exceptional leadership of Mr Varadkar during the Covid pandemic. As the crisis escalated worldwide, nations were quick to compare their responses. Observations made regarding the characteristics of leaders such as gender or age were frequently mentioned, overlooking the critical fact that the virus had spread unevenly across diverse locations.
In 2022, The Lancet reported that Ireland exhibited one of the lowest excessive mortality rates in Europe due to Covid-19, with a rate of 12.5 per hundred thousand. This was significantly lower than Northern Ireland’s figure of 131 (“Covid-19: Ireland had one of lowest excess death rates in world, study finds”, News, March 10th, 2022).
It’s comforting to assert that approximately 6,000 individuals in Ireland are still alive today due to our distinctive strategies as compared to the UK at that time. The idiom “done the state some service” truly captures our achievement, without any hint of irony. Best regards,
BRIAN O’BRIEN,
Kinsale,
Co Cork.