Varadkar Reflects on Political Highs and Lows at Memoir Launch
Dublin, Ireland – Former Taoiseach Leo varadkar launched his memoir, speaking My Mind, at teh National Library of Ireland today, offering insights into his time in office and the factors behind his recent resignation.The event drew a diverse crowd including political figures past and present – Fine Gael colleagues, Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte, and surprisingly, former tds Mick wallace and Clare Daly. Varadkar’s parents, Ashok and Miriam, and partner Matthew Barrett were also in attendance.
At 38, Varadkar became the youngest taoiseach in Irish history, and at 45, the youngest to leave the office, resigning in April of last year. He stated he wrote the book to document events while his memory was fresh,aided by input from former chief-of-staff Brian Murphy and speechwriter Professor Patrick Geoghegan who corrected his recollections.
Varadkar humorously suggested students of politics could learn from his experiences, both triumphant and unsuccessful, citing the introduction of property and carbon taxes, the handling of water charges, and the contrasting outcomes of referendums on abortion, same-sex marriage, and those concerning women’s place in the home and the definition of family.The launch was presided over by retired RTÉ broadcaster Bryan Dobson, who described Varadkar’s resignation as a “political bombshell.” Dobson believes the memoir provides notable insight into the reasons behind the decision to step down mid-term. He stated the book’s “great enduring value” lies in its explanation of “the acquisition, the retention and the deployment of political power.”
Dobson also addressed Tánaiste Simon Harris, acknowledging the threats endured by him and his family.