Mixed reaction across Limerick to news of Taoiseach's resignation

THERE'S BEEN A MIXED reaction to the seismic news this Wednesday of Leo Varadkar's resignation as An Taoiseach.

Opposition politicians have said it's now time for a general election, while members of the governing parties have preferred to focus on his achievements while in office.

The Fine Gael leader stunned the political world when he announced he is stepping down from the office.

While he will remain as Taoiseach until after the Easter recess, he will leave as Fine Gael leader immediately to trigger a leadership election.

Senator Maria Byrne, who supported Mr Varadkar in his 2017 leadership bid and is politically close to the Dublin West TD, said: "He has done an awful lot for the country. I could tell in his statement, he was emotional in his words, so I think he has not taken this decision lightly."

"I've always found him very genuine. What you saw was what you got. If you asked him a straight question, you got a straight answer and I appreciated that. I think we are all a bit shellshocked," she added.

Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell, also a Fine Gael politician, believes the government's defeat in the two referendums are what has sparked his resignation - and he also believes there is disquiet among party members locally over the fact the legislation governing Limerick's new executive mayor was only signed off last month.

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"I'm very surprised. But I knew there were a few rumblings in the party. A lot of councillors are not happy. I don't think the referendum results helped. I wish him well though. He is a very intelligent, articulate intelligent man. He was respected within party circles. It's quite hard to take it in though - it's so sudden," the mayor said.

Fianna Fail TD Willie O'Dea, who was Mr Varadkar's opposite number in Dail Eireann when he was Minister for Social Protection said: "He's a young man. He did say he wanted to be out of politics by the time he was 50. I presume he has not reached the half century just yet. Seven years at the top is a long time. It takes it out of you. His leadership has been good and bad. He was an able and formidable debater in the Dail. Particularly during Covid-19 when he was in charge, I thought he was very good."

Limerick TD, and the general secretary of Independent Ireland Richard O'Donoghue feels it is time for a general election.

He said: "Leo Varadkar's resignation as Taoiseach is good news for Ireland, but I would also like to see Micheál Martin and Eamon Ryan step down and get this government dissolved. After the two referendums were held, it shows they are so far out of touch with the people of Ireland that they only reflect a small few. They need to allow people with integrity and common sense to take on the future of rebuilding Ireland."

Sinn Fein City TD Maurice Quinlivan reflected the call for a national election, saying: "There is a lot of chaos he has left behind him. A housing disaster, and I don't have to tell the people of Limerick the chaos we have in our emergency department. I'm knocking on doors as I always do, and the appetite for a general election is huge, and I think it should be called as soon as possible. There is no confidence in that government."

But Minister of State Niall Collins, Fianna Fail, says he doesn't feel there will be an immediate election.

"It's clear from his resignation statement that he felt he wasn’t best placed to lead his party into the next general election. I don’t feel we will have an immediate general election, people have to be able to move on in politics without triggering an election. Personally I’ve always favoured a November election after the budget," he said.

Green Party TD Brian Leddin said: "History will show Leo Varadkar as one of the most successful Taoisigh Ireland has had. In a time of immense challenges - Brexit, Covid, a major war in Europe - he steered the country ably and with courage."

Local Fine Gael councillors also paid tribute to the outgoing Taoiseach.

The party's leader in the metropolitan district, Cllr Daniel Butler said: "As an openly gay man of Indian heritage he became a symbol for many of a more inclusive Ireland. I think he has made this decision for the right reasons on his own terms putting the needs of the country and Fine Gael first. As a party its a good time to look to new leadership and a renewed vision. We have many exemplary TDs so I am excited to see who will lead us into the local elections."

Cllr Adam Teskey added: " I do feel that the time for further change has come and I for one have made no secret of that we need to rejuvenate, revitalise and restore our representation back to the grass roots of our party and re identify with our core values and principles in representing our core support group and listen more with our rural communities in paving a way forward that is inclusive and mindful of one’s day to day needs and demands."

And former metropolitan district chair, Cllr Olivia O'Sullivan added: "Personally, he has been very encouraging to me as someone new to politics, and I always enjoyed his visits to Limerick. While Taoiseach he even visited my parents house when in Caherdavin last September, after calling to the Greenhills Hotel and before heading with me to the Woodfield and joining locals there for a quiet drink."