Former prime minister, Leo Varadkar, has conveyed his worries regarding the increasing xenophobia in Ireland, highlighting that people from ethnic minorities are enduring discrimination during their everyday routines. Last month Mr Varadkar took a step back from his roles as prime minister and Cabinet minister, unexpectedly leaving both the political and civilian sector astonished.
Discussing his withdrawal on the Late Late Show this past Friday, Mr Varadkar admitted implementing his resolution to dissolve his position was the most challenging aspect and he almost retreated on the eve of his resignation. Nevertheless, he reiterated that his political party, Fine Gael, needed to up their game in the forthcoming general election and he felt he was no longer the best leader.
The family and friends of Greta Price-Martin, a cyclist who died tragically in a Dún Laoghaire accident, will remember her dearly. Speaking on his tenure as prime minister, Mr Varadkar said it was an esteemed position but acknowledged the personal strain it caused him.
He emphasised the demanding nature of being prime minister, stating that the job involved long hours, frequently including evenings and weekends. He added that he constantly found himself plagued by the issues confronting the nation, a state of affairs that shouldn’t be a permanent scenario. He confessed he was anxious about how ethnic prejudice and migration would begin interplaying with Ireland’s political environment.
Mr Varadkar made these remarks in the aftermath of fierce confrontations between the police and individuals opposing a planned local building project in Co Wicklow to create housing for asylum seekers. He admitted that migration was a significant matter and a topic that needed discussion and policy. Although, he opined that it should be dealt with in a respectful manner, without creating room for fury, loathing, or violence; something he hoped Ireland could dodge as much as possible.
Lastly, Mr Varadkar argued that migration is a subject that brings out both the best and worst in individuals.
“I am observing a distressing situation in Ireland,” he began, sharing the story of his friend’s family. His friend’s spouse is of African descent, and together they have mixed-race children. This family, for the first time, is now grappling with racial prejudices that weren’t a concern before.
Despite being of Irish descent and having spent their formative years in the country, these children are being confronted with racial discrimination in their routine life. He expressed, “This sudden introduction to racism in their lives is tormenting”.
Moving onto matters of immigration and racial sensitivity, he noted, “It’s understandable if you want to curb immigration or have reservations about receiving refugees, but we must consider how those views might sound to those in need wanting to seek refuge in our county, or to people of colour who consider this country their homeland.”
On discussing political dynamics, especially about Mary Lou McDonald, the head of Sinn Féin, he disclosed that he would not pine for their Dáil disputes. As for her potential as a taoiseach, he stated ambiguously, “Only time can tell. Ultimately, it is in the hands of the voters during the elections.”
Regarding Varadkar’s political future, the MP offered an enigmatic response about his participation in the next general elections. He mentioned that he would be making his decision following the local elections within the next two to three months. Nonetheless, he mentioned that if he decides against running, Senator Emer Currie would be the most appropriate candidate to succeed him.