Sir, Mary Lou McDonald claims that the choice of who ascends to the position of Taoiseach should be determined by the general population. However, the interpretation of our Constitution’s related clauses by Ms McDonald has shown no improvement since she last gave her opinion on the matter after the preceding nationwide election. During that time, she suggested that the elected TDs obstructed the people’s will by opting not to select her as Taoiseach.
It is the responsibility of the citizens to vote for TDs while it is the elected TDs that take part in the selection of the Taoiseach. This process occurred in 2020 and will repeat itself in the forthcoming weeks. If Ms McDonald secures enough support in Dáil Éireann, her chance will come.
Young Irish workers might find the financial setting in Australia rather challenging. Advice on how to handle financial matters in such circumstances is provided.
A suggestion put forward by Pat Cullen on March 21st is that Leo Varadkar might have taken a leaf from Jurgen Klopp’s book in how he announced his exit from Liverpool FC, when declaring his own departure from the roles of Taoiseach and head of Fine Gael. To continue with this analogy, could Simon Harris be comparable to Xavi Alonso?
Critical to remember is the immediate political scoring that took place from Opposition leaders upon news of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s resignation. This will be particularly relevant when their own time in power or career reaches its conclusion.
At the time Charles Haughey resigned, praise was given to Fine Gael, Labour, the Workers’ Party and the Progressive Democrats for showing decency and making thoughtful remarks. The current Opposition party leaders, however, eerily reflect the growing crudeness observable on social media.
The amount of fury witnessed in public discussions lately is alarming and much of it is capitalising on fear and resentment. The fact remains that real suffering exists and requires attention. However, running a campaign relying solely on the negative emotions of fear and anger towards a solution won’t work. Particularly, when the proposed solutions are flawed and bound to inconvenience or adversely affect a certain group of people. This week, the opposition leaders have let themselves and the public down.
Under the leadership of Leo Varadkar, Fine Gael has dedicated an excessive amount of time prioritising minority interests in every policy. The recent referendum results deliver a clear message from the majority – they want to be acknowledged and valued as equal contributors to our country. The hope here is for Fine Gael to appoint a leader who will truly listen.
There’s a lack of understanding of a major political detail among parties like Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, and Labour. They fail to realise that it’s not the public who elects the taoiseach, but Dáil Éireann.
Leo Varadkar’s decision to step down commands utmost respect and admiration. It’s a courageous move that was completely unexpected among the political commentators, triggering a few days of kindness and admiration towards him.
However, the shock around Leo Varadkar’s resignation is puzzling because the referendum clearly communicated the public’s disapproval, evident from the overwhelming number of No votes. Stepping down was indeed the rightful course of action.
In response to Fine Gael’s chance to thwart Mary Lou McDonald’s bid to be the first female Taoiseach, it has been suggested that the party could assign a female TD as their leader. This would automatically make her the Taoiseach until the following elections, regardless of her actual competence. That being said, it’s unlikely any of the female members of Fine Gael would object to being the first woman in the role.
In light of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s surprise stepping down, his replacement from the Fine Gael political group has thrown a spotlight on Ireland’s democratic practices. It is disconcerting and worrying to see Fine Gael using the same procedures as the English Conservatives, appointing a new party leader from within, effectively bypassing a general election. This goes against democratic principles.
Our democracy isn’t a stage for elitist theatricals, it’s a serious commiment to the people’s will. It is our duty to push for change and call for a general election, where every citizen can vote and shape our country’s trajectory. We need to remember those that fought for our democratic rights, honouring their efforts by upholding democratic values and making sure people’s voices are heard.
The idea of the Fine-Gael political group selecting the next national leader without considering a third of the members will not be in the forthcoming general election is not acceptable. Changes are needed.
Opinions on Leo Varadkar’s political career diverge significantly. Having been portrayed as a Christian Democrat and social conservative in his younger years, some argue that he has made no conservative social statements or actions throughout his political life.
“Dear Editor,
Recent news has presented that Leo Varadkar, Fine Gael party’s leader and current Taoiseach, has decided to step down from his station. His forthcoming career endeavours, which he referred to during his resignation speech, are now subjects of widespread speculation. As numerous regions across the country are experiencing a critical lack of General Practitioners, many are left to wonder if Mr. Varadkar might think about joining the field of general practice once he’s rested and distanced from his political duties.
On another note, it was curious that whilst surrounded by his solemn Ministers in Government Buildings, the Taoiseach appeared to have no knowledge of the fact that Wednesday was the UN World Happiness Day.
It was quite a startling revelation as the captain himself decided to let go of the ship while a third of his crew had already done so. His immediate subordinates are now awaiting a new skipper, capable of stabilising the shaky vessel and ensuring a secure return to port in a year’s span. Still, the question lingers – has Leo’s sudden departure left the current Government’s ship with an irreparable dent beneath the waterline?
In justifying his resignation, Leo Varadkar expressed his belief that he was “no longer fit for his role”. The concern that arises is that, should such a mindset become popular, the nation may shut down overnight.
Now, Mr. Simon Harris, who lacks professional experience in the reality outside of politics and dropped out of journalism school, has become a mainstay in local politics even before his graduation. Since he previously assisted Frances Fitzgerald in the Senate, then was elected to the Dáil, have we ever given thought to the possibility of needing a Taoiseach who has experienced life outside the elitist world of Leinster House?
Finally, there is relief for Leo Varadkar knowing that he soon won’t have to adhere to an early wake-up schedule.
Yours sincerely,
Various Readers.”