On a Thursday morning, Leo Varadkar, brimming with cheer, left his Brussels hotel, the Sofitel, on his way to the colossal structures of concrete and steel that host the European Union’s organisations. A cluster of journalists had assembled outside, hopeful for a chance to exchange words with any passing EU dignitaries. Did he aspire to acquire another job within Europe? “No, certainly not,” responded Varadkar, laughing, “but cheers for asking!”
It seems that contemplating a new occupation is not his current priority. Later in the day, he made his entrance, strutting on the red carpet of the Europa establishment, site of routine EU leadership summits, bordered by the flags representing the 27 member states. The sizable assemblage of journalists, microphones, and cameras stood by to capture his moments, though not their final encounter (the summit spans two days) it was drawing near.
“So, eager to commence the European Council meeting today and tomorrow…” Varadkar commenced. As expected, the majority of the inquiries revolved around his impending departure.
What were his thoughts on the emerging preference for Simon Harris back in his homeland? He decided against endorsing any candidates. Would a competition help the party? It might work in its favour, he admitted. However, it wasn’t mandatory. (Luckily!)
In not so much time, he found himself responding to a question gaining a lot of interest from a wide array of individuals – politicians, officials, and reporters – both in Brussels and in his home country: why did he choose to leave? And why at this particular moment?
The explanation, he stipulated, remained as he had previously stated. It was simply a suitable time for transition. “There’s no incident, there’s no solitary matter. I understand the journalistic desire to pinpoint ‘a thing’ or a distinct moment but actuality rarely aligns with that,” he disclosed.
It became an oft-repeated theme. Just because the reporters claim it to be true, doesn’t necessarily make it so. It’s not an uncommon sentiment shared by politicians who find themselves on their way to departure. They all experience bouts of exasperation with the media. Or perhaps, they’ve just grown weary of suppressing it.
Varadkar has started displaying signs of exhaustion, even while interacting with Brussels. He used to express a youthful vigour during private conversations about the unique proceedings in the meetings of the European Council, which comprises the heads of governments and serves as the EU’s most critical decision-making body. As a member of the Council of Ministers, during which time health, transportation, and other ministers meet, he relished the presence of officials offering advice and passing notes throughout the discussion. However, in the council, only the leaders were present. These meetings often extended for hours, concluding either with an agreed text or not at all. Known for its hard-hitting politics, Varadkar seemed to revel in this environment.
It appears this is no longer the case.
“I’ve spent the day in Brussels,” he disclosed. “For nearly a decade and a half now, I’ve been continuously coming to Brussels as a representative of the country first as a minister, then as Taoiseach and tánaiste. However, there’s a point when you need to step aside for fresh faces, fresh ideas, and fresh energy and that’s my intention.
“I’m implying that it’s time for a change. It’s time for a fresh face. I feel it will not only benefit the party but also the government and, most significantly, the country. It’s been over 13 years since I’ve had the honour of representing Ireland internationally and coming to Brussels to attend meetings like this one.
“However, it can’t go on perpetually, and I don’t wish for it to. You know I left Leinster House last night close to 10pm. I went home, ordered takeaway, and had a chat with my partner before waking up far before 8am, at 6.45 to catch a flight at 8 am. You know, such a routine doesn’t have to last forever.”
His gruelling routine drew a varying degree of sympathy from the present reporters, many of whom also returned home after 10 pm and had to wake up even earlier than 6.45 am due to the absence of a private jet to catch a flight to Brussels. Some of them didn’t even have takeaway the previous night, it’s hard to imagine. Though, it’s not about them.
Did he experience relief?
“It still hasn’t quite hit me yet,” he admitted. After departing from the Government Buildings late last night, he opted for a swift meal on-the-go before discussing the day’s events with his partner. Following this, he prepared for his morning engagements, which also included a flight at 8 am, yet the magnitude of his decision was yet to be fully realised. The food was terrible and somewhat bitter, quite reflective of his current situation.
Always one for introspection, he was compelled to weigh the prospects of his party under a new banner of leadership for potentially a record-breaking fourth term in office. After much deliberation, it was a notion he found merit in. Preparing for his final dance with allies in Brussels the following Thursday, his previously reached conclusion appeared far from reluctant, although he had always considered himself comfortable among European leaders.