Reflecting on it now, the media’s reporting of Leo Varadkar’s ascent to Taoiseach appears incredibly hopeful. His appointment was seen as a symbol of rejuvenation, embodying a new liberal and diverse national image, according to the Financial Times. His unique representation of a more modern, diverse, and inclusive Ireland won him sterling remark from his forerunner, Enda Kenny.
Varadkar indeed stood out, not just in terms of his youthful, gay, mixed-race background, but he also presented a different style of politics. He rejected the typically political persona, which proved invaluable as he rose to power in an era of political disillusionment.
However, the novelty inevitably wore off. After holding the title of Taoiseach for a while, the community began to recognise him for what he was – a politician. Despite such expectability, Varadkar’s novelty combined with initial support and favourable media coverage steered him effectively through the Brexit negotiations. He baited the UK with his firm stance, which the British government once thought as a potential ally against the EU, and antagonised the pro-conservative media – an act that ironically boosted his national approval.
While the UK struggled with its Brexit stance, Varadkar effectively pursued Ireland’s dual objectives: avoiding a rigid Irish border and preserving Ireland’s unrestricted position in the EU’s single market. Ultimately, he achieved both. Progress was made irrespective of numerous difficulties encountered by the minority government; corporate tax revenues increased, contributing to the healthy economy. As the 2020 general election loomed, Fine Gael, having overseen a thriving economy, competent Brexit management and abortion reform implementation, seemed well-prepared.
The election turned out to be a catastrophe. Elections are typically about envisioning the future, yet Varadkar’s pitch for Fine Gael’s concept of the future failed to resonate with the voters. Sinn Féin’s popularity rapidly escalated during the campaign, in stark contrast to both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael who experienced significant electoral blows. In a historic feat, the two rival parties formed a Coalition with the Green Party. This move, though seen by many as a desperate attempt to keep Sinn Féin from gaining power, also symbolised recognition that the two old adversaries have now become disparate aspects of the same political faction. An appreciable kind of reshuffling in Irish politics, it is a noteworthy part of Varadkar’s legacy.
However, this did not prove to be a stepping stone for Varadkar in his political journey. Neither Varadkar nor his party fully came to grips with the aftermath of the election results, nor did they extensively analyse the campaign strategies and communication blunders that led to their downfall. It’s as though they had no yearning to understand why voters turned their backs on Varadkar. Bizarrely, the Taoiseach privately admitted he was clueless as to where it all went wrong.
After the election upset, the expectation was for a revamped Varadkar 2.0 to take the helm in the Taoiseach’s office as we closed 2022 – a more enlightened version of the youngest-ever Taoiseach, with a solid understanding of what both his party and country required in the post-pandemic phase. The anticipation within Fine Gael was high that Varadkar’s return to the Taoiseach’s office could potentially resurrect the party’s flagging poll numbers and augment his approval ratings. Everyone waited in anticipation for a shift to happen. But the expected change never materialised.
The situation was akin to waiting for a kettle to boil, according to a government insider. Everyone was eagerly awaiting the moment to come. But it never did.
“Evidently, the kettle had been left unplugged. This was a different Varadkar, not the man who took over the office of the Taoiseach in 2017 or even the one who departed it in 2020. After coming out as homosexual in 2015, Varadkar’s life took on a new direction. Naturally, it did. He had a vibrant social life, a significant other who was unconcerned with politics and often showed resentment towards its unwanted interruptions – above all – he began to comprehend that there was more to life than just politics.
This was a substantial shift for someone who, since his early 20s at minimum, had been living for politics. This change of heart didn’t go unnoticed in the intense environment of the Taoiseach’s office. Confidentially, his associates noted that his dedication and involvement in his work was not the same as it had been. He hadn’t quite begun going through the motions; however, it was difficult to pinpoint any particular actions or lack thereof. Nonetheless, it was evident to his colleagues in the party and government that he was no longer as passionately and obsessively committed to the political world as he used to be. For over a year, this subject has subtly pervaded the inner circle of government. They pondered, ‘What exactly is happening with Leo?’
During recent months, several ‘political and personal’ factors caused his decision to depart. These include the lacklustre performance of his party in public opinion polls and his own rising sentiment of feeling unable to offer more to his position. During his last EU summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, he was eager to discuss the agenda set for EU leaders: calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, assistance for Ukraine, plans for defence cooperation. Conversely, most questions directed at him were about his impending departure. It was noticeable that he had grown tired of the constant scrutiny and seemed relieved by the imminent opportunity for departure.
‘A state of sheer fatigue,’ reveals one of his closest colleagues. His irritable reactions implied his mental state: I’m done with this. Truly done with this.”
The exceptional mental and physical fortitude needed to perform the duties of a taoiseach is frequently underestimated. However, it is generally the extraordinarily robust and hardy individuals who fulfil this role. Typically, these individuals endure in their position for the maximum duration possible, sometimes unwisely so. Indeed, Varadkar was an atypical Taoiseach, with his departure being no less unusual.