Sir, – You would have to have a very hard heart indeed not to have been touched by the justified pride in the faces of Leo Varadkar’s parents as they watched their son be elected to the office of Taoiseach.
It was a moving occasion and reflects well on the democratic traditions of this country.
We should, as citizens, also feel pride in an inclusive republic.
Let’s keep the cut and thrust of political debate, which is a necessary aspect of life in a democracy, for another day. For now, let’s enjoy the start of what I hope will be a fresh era in Irish politics. – Yours, etc,
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MARIE FAHY,
Dublin 3.
Sir, – There’s nothing wrong with a bit of electioneering, and Leo Varadkar can be forgiven for adopting a somewhat strident tone during the Fine Gael election contest. If he can ditch that attitude and stick to the gracious, warm and courteous manner he displayed in the Dáil on being elected Taoiseach, then we have reason to be hopeful. – Yours, etc,
PATRICIA O’RIORDAN,
Dublin 8.
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – With the departure of Enda Kenny and Michael Noonan from the political arena, it is a truism that “the old hath given place to the new”, and a brave new Ireland, one hopes, will emerge. Youth in politics is now in the ascendant – Trudeau, Macron and Varadkar.
Is this a case, perhaps, of reversed ageism in a youth-obsessed world where Micheál Martin in fit middle-age protests that he doesn’t feel old! – Yours, etc,
VERA HUGHES,
Moate,
Co Westmeath.
Sir, – On behalf of the European People’s Party (EPP), I would like to warmly congratulate Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s youngest-ever Taoiseach.
I would also like to thank Enda Kenny for his dedication and commend his impressive work in service of the Irish people.
I am confident that Leo Varadkar will carry on Enda Kenny’s legacy, that he will continue to protect the interests of the Irish people, defend European values and bring a new momentum to the country.
With Brexit looming, it is of the utmost importance that the EPP has a reliable and strong partner in Ireland, a country on the frontline with regard to the consequences of the UK’s departure from the EU.
I am glad that we can count on Leo Varadkar to ensure the stability of the island and avoid any disruption to the lives of Irish citizens. Ireland can rely on our support.
On a more personal note, I am very proud to see Leo Varadkar, a former Youth EPP vice-president, take the helm of the Irish Government. It is proof that the youth is our future.
We must continue to prepare the EPP’s younger generations to lead the Europe of today and tomorrow. – Yours, etc,
JOSEPH DAUL, MEP
President,
European
People’s Party,
Strasbourg.