Varadkar’s tweets are more ‘Trump than Trudeau’, say SF

Varadkar dismisses Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin’s criticism as ‘nonsensical’

Political Correspondent Harry McGee compares the social media strategy of the new Canadian, French and Irish leaders. Video: Irish Times video

Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has suggested the Taoiseach’s tweeting has made him “more Trump than Trudeau’’.

He said Leo Varadkar had recently tweeted a picture of those present at a meeting of a Cabinet security committee.

“Surely this is unprecedented and an unwise thing to do in the circumstances,’’ Mr O Caoláin added.

“Certainly it suggests to me, with all respect, the Taoiseach is more Trump than Trudeau.’’

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Mr Varadkar told the Dáil membership of the national security committee was separate to the Cabinet committee F which was the subject of his tweet.

The Cabinet committee involved politicians while the national security committee did not, he added.

He said the membership of Cabinet committee F was public knowledge and certainly not a national security issue.

RTÉ cameras had been present for its first meeting, which garnered no comment, although a tweet did.

“It really does demonstrate the terror some people have of modern communications,’’ he added.

Some people could not cope with it and even thought it was a threat to national security.

“Never have I seen a criticism scrape the bottom of the barrel more so than such nonsensical criticism,’’ the Taoiseach added.

Michael O'Regan

Michael O'Regan

Michael O’Regan is a former parliamentary correspondent of The Irish Times