Nothing is guaranteed.
So, the bells toll as Fine Gael’s hearse, towed by a pair of tawdry jades, creaks towards Glasnevin cemetery wherein already repose the mortal remains of the Irish Parliamentary Party, the PDs, Clann na Phoblact and Clann na Talmhan
“I don’t think [Simon Harris is] an effective Minister. I think he’s been a very poor Minister.” “[His] management skills…are sadly lacking.” “[His] failings in health are many and well-documented.” What did Simon Harris’ FF/GP colleagues say about him in years prior?
“Politics is not an easy profession.”
“He will never be more politically powerful than he will be on his first day in office – if he has big changes in mind, that’s the day to make them.”
“Being the Finance Minister allows him to plausibly claim credit for all Government successes, since he funded them, while distancing himself from failures, because all he did was fund them.”
“I don’t think it was the defining reason.”
If the Leo Varadkar of 2004 could look at the Leo Varadkar of 2024, I think it perfectly fair – even if perhaps slightly harsh – to ask whether he would even recognise himself.
Gript’s Ben Scallan reports from Leinster House as Leo Varadkar resigns as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader.
“never a ‘right time’ to resign”
Any other workplace that was suddenly losing a third of its workforce, many of them in the prime of their careers, would be considered to be in trouble. Serious questions would be asked of the senior management.
“Inadequate and insufficient answers.”