On 20 March 2024, from the steps of Government Buildings, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced his intention to resign from his position and end his tenure as leader of Fine Gael. This announcement came as a shock to many, and Varadkar appeared visibly emotional, citing “personal and political” reasons for his decision. During Varadkar’s time as Taoiseach, from 2017 to 2020 and again since December 2022, the public has become accustomed to his delivery of significant press conferences. This recent announcement comes just over 4 years since he spoke to the nation from Washington D.C. in March 2020 to announce the commencement of the first “lockdown” procedures in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Varadkar’s time as Taoiseach saw him navigate major crises, like the Pandemic, and geopolitical events, like Brexit, but has also seen record numbers of homelessness in the country amid a devastating housing crisis. At the end of his time as Taoiseach, we are forced to consider, just what will be the legacy of Ireland’s youngest leader?
Profile
Having first served as a TD for Dublin West in 2007, Varadker became the youngest leader of Fine Gael and the youngest Taoiseach at the age of 38, when he replaced outgoing leader Enda Kenny in 2017, defeating Simon Coveney in the leadership battle which ensued. His age was just one of a number of firsts for the role of Taoiseach. As the son of an Indian father and Irish mother, a practising physician, and an openly gay man, Varadkar’s identity is notably more diverse than that of previous leaders. Having come out publicly during the time leading up to the Marriage Equality Referendum in 2015, Varadkar emphasised that his ethnicity and sexuality were just “a part of who I am.”
“His age was just one of a number of firsts for the role of Taoiseach.”
Varadkar has been described as a “true-blue ideological christian democrat” and “unapologetically neoliberal”, something which appears evident from his early policy focuses. Having run a somewhat controversial campaign against Welfare Fraud while serving as Minister for Social Protection, Varadkar premised his bid for leadership of the country on wanting to be the Taoiseach for “people who got up early in the morning.” Some of his policy achievements and shortcomings will now be examined.
Covid-19 Response
Arguably the biggest test of his time as Taoiseach, Varadkar was at the helm when the Coronavirus first reached Ireland. After the decision to hold a General Election in early 2020 backfired somewhat, he was serving as Caretaker Taoiseach while coalition negotiations took place. His Government’s response to the pandemic has generally been lauded within the country and despite occasional clashes with the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), the Government’s response was overall very measured. In total, Ireland suffered over 9,000 deaths from the virus between March 2020 and January 2024, with figures from about half-way through this period showing that Ireland experienced fewer deaths per capita than countries such as the UK, Sweden, and the similarly populated, Slovakia.
“Varadkar was at the helm when the Coronavirus first reached Ireland.”
Although Varadkar oversaw the initial lockdown in 2020 and the first “roadmap” towards the easing of restrictions, it was the new rotating Taoiseach Micheál Martin who governed much of the later years of the pandemic. It was during this time that the Government faced most of its criticism for the handling of the pandemic, from both the public and within the 3 coalition parties. The infamous “Golfgate” scandal, which saw leading political and judicial figures attend an event in contravention of Covid-19 restrictions, garnered public outcry. Varadkar himself became embroiled in scandal when he attended an event at the Merrion Hotel, organised by former TD and Minister Katherine Zappone, which despite apparent assurances to the contrary, was in breach of the pandemic guidelines on hospitality.
During the early months of the pandemic Varadkar was commended for his calm management of the situation, which he exhibited in his multiple addresses to the public. His approval rating soared to 75 per cent in June 2020, according to an Irish Times poll. However, studies have since demonstrated that three-quarters of people feel that the Government’s actions during the pandemic were motivated by a need to protect its own reputation.
Economy, Housing Crisis & Homelessness
In his resignation announcement, Varadkar highlighted his Government’s achievements of reaching full employment and converting to the first budget surplus in over a decade, in 2018. While there are many externalities at play for such conditions, it is clear that Varadkar has taken pride in his economic achievements while Taoiseach. However, the housing crisis, which continues to plague the country, has become an even more pressing electoral issue, and a frequent source of criticism for the Government.
“[I]t is clear that Varadkar has taken pride in his economic achievements while Taoiseach.”
Although the Government has exceeded its housing targets in recent years, it has also been forced to concede that these targets are not sufficient to adequately meet the current demand. Varadkar has been strongly criticised for his handling of the housing and homelessness crises, particularly in relation to the purchase of properties by vulture funds, who now own more student accommodation in Dublin than 3 of its Universities combined. He certainly did not help his public image on the issue after commenting that people in emergency accommodation had refused offers of social housing and that first time buyers should simply buy cheaper homes.
Figures from the beginning of Varadkar’s first term as Taoiseach indicated that there were more than 3,000 children experiencing homelessness in 2017, a number which Varadkar described as comparatively “low”. Homelessness figures have been steadily climbing and have reached successive record highs in recent years, with current statistics indicating that over 13,500 people are accessing emergency accommodation. The housing crisis has undoubtedly been compounded by the influx of refugees from Ukraine and elsewhere, with the Government clearly unable to provide adequate housing, leading to some refugees living on the streets in tents. A recent encampment outside the International Protection Office received media attention for the horrific conditions in which the inhabitants were forced to sleep. This group was bussed to another site in the Dublin mountains but many have since made their way back to the city centre.
“Homelessness figures have been steadily climbing and have reached successive record highs in recent years…”
Referendums & Social Change
Varadkar oversaw the passage of the 36th amendment in 2018, which repealed the 8th amendment and legalised abortion in Ireland. His personal views were called into question at the time after it emerged that he had previously expressed that he was pro-life. Nonetheless, he navigated the country to a major social change. However, the most recent referendum failures are almost certain to have played on the former leader’s mind in recent weeks. The proposals sought to expand the constitutional definition of the family, and replace Article 41.2 on a woman’s place in the home, with a general recognition of care. The referenda on family and care were held on International Women’s Day, in what was clearly intended to be heralded as a progressive day for Irish society.
“The referenda on family and care were held on International Women’s Day, in what was clearly intended to be heralded as a progressive day for Irish society.”
As the day of the vote drew closer, the proposals began to receive increasing criticism from the public, with a great deal of confusion and misinformation circulating among the electorate. The Government who put forward the referenda drew special criticism for having allegedly “ignored” the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly, which had advocated for a wording that would have placed a stronger obligation on the state, where the care referendum was concerned. Varadkar drew criticism for his comments in a TV interview during which he stated that he did not “actually think that’s the State’s responsibility to be honest,” in reference to a question on the provision of care. The 2 proposals, which were supported by both government and opposition parties alike, were defeated by some of the highest margins in the history of the state. After the results, he was forced to concede that he, and the government had “got it wrong” on these referenda.
Conclusion
Varadkar’s resignation came as a shock to many, and has sparked opposition calls for an immediate General Election. However, the intention of the coalition government is to continue, with Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris confirmed on 10 April 2024 as the successor for Taoiseach. Varadkar stated that he remains confident that Fine Gael can make gains in the next election. It remains to be seen whether this somewhat dubious statement will ring true, especially considering the rise in support for Sinn Féin in recent years, and the poor electoral performance of Fine Gael in recent by-elections. Varadkar has confirmed that will remain as a TD for Dublin West and has yet to comment on whether he will run in the next General Election expected to be held in early 2025. Having decided that he is “no longer the best person for the job”, Leo Varadkar may wish to be remembered for his economic prowess, uniting speeches, and foreign policy wins. However it is unlikely that the role of his government in the plight of those struggling to get onto the property ladder, and those forced into sleeping in deplorable conditions on the streets, will be forgotten by the public anytime soon.
By Alex Coghlan
All ideas, beliefs, and opinions presented are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Eagle.
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