Dublin
15’s next taoiseach?
by Ken Corla
More than any other constituency in Ireland the Dublin 15 area is represented
by three of the highest profile politicians in the country – Minister
for Finance Brian Lenihan TD, Fine Gael spokesperson on enterprise,
trade & employment, Leo Varadkar and the Labour Party’s spokesperson
on finance and deputy leader, Joan Burton.
Local voters who thought that, in the event of a change of government,
we might also be home to a Fine Gael taoiseach had their hopes dashed
– at least in the short term – by an interview given recently
to Newstalk 106FM by Leo Varadkar.
Speaking in the fallout of the George Lee resignation, Deputy Varadkar
rubbished any suggestions of party difficulties over Enda Kenny’s
leadership.
Questioned by interviewer, Eamon Keane about his own leadership ambitions,
Deputy Varadkar humbly responded that he was only 31 years of age. “I’d
love to lead Fine Gael, of course I would. I’m in politics because
I want to change things and to change things you need to be in power
and that means being a Minister or being Taoiseach.”
However he recognises the need to serve an apprenticeship first. “I’m
only two years in the Dáil. I’d love to serve in Government
and if I do a good job of that in ten years time it’s something
I’ll consider but I don’t think it’s my time at all.”
At 41 years of age, Leo Varadkar would still be Ireland’s youngest
taoiseach. Bertie Ahern didn’t make it until he was 46 and the
current incumbent, Brian Cowen was a ripe old 48 when he assumed the
office.
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