The ex-Irish premier, Leo Varadkar, is penning his memoirs, set to hit the shelves in autumn 2025, as reported by Sandycove publishing house. Mr. Varadkar has emphasised that his work is as much an intimate memoir as it is a historical political text, noting his enjoyment in chronicling his life’s journey and his eagerness to do so while memories remain vivid.
Sandycove, a subsidiary of the ever-popular Penguin, secured the rights following a bidding war involving nine different houses. The negotiation process was handled by Max Edwards of Apple Tree Literary who was representing the former leader of Fine Gael.
Mr Varadkar’s statement on Sunday hinted at an untold side of his time in leadership: “A substantial amount is publicly known about my days at the helm, yet there’s equally a significant portion that’s not. Now unshackled from the constraints of office, I am at liberty to speak freely on aspects that were off-limits then. Time has afforded me an opportunity to reconsider my shortcomings as much as my triumphs. I’m eager to collaborate with Michael McLoughlin and Patricia Deevy at Sandycove, they’ve shown an unmistakable understanding of my intended vision for this book from the beginning.”
The publishing giant added that the prospective work promises a privileged, backstage pass into the making of a senior political figure. Mr McLoughlin, publisher at Sandycove, expressed his privilege at publishing Mr Varadkar’s life on paper: “A figure as pivotal and intriguing as Leo Varadkar is a rare talent. His candour makes this an essential read for anyone keen on contemporary Irish politics.”
A year ago, citing personal and political motivations, Mr Varadkar decided to step away from his role as Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach. It has also been established that he will not contest the upcoming general election.
His political rise saw him first win an election in 2007, then following Enda Kenny’s selection, he was named Minister for Transport in 2011. His portfolio also included being Minister for Health in 2014. In 2017 he took the reins of Fine Gael, going on to become the youngest ever Taoiseach after defeating Simon Coveney.