Ireland’s Leo Varadkar becomes premier for second time
- Varadkar replaced Micheal Martin as taoiseach (premier) in a rotation between his Fine Gael and Martin’s Fianna Fail parties, unprecedented in Irish history
- Varadkar, who is mixed race and openly gay, is stepping up from the role of deputy premier. At 43, he is still one of Ireland’s youngest-ever leaders
Ireland’s Leo Varadkar on Saturday took over as prime minister for the second time, a handover of power in line with a coalition deal struck in 2020.
Varadkar replaced Micheal Martin as taoiseach (premier) in a rotation between his Fine Gael and Martin’s Fianna Fail parties unprecedented in Irish history.
The centre-right parties, the two main political partners in a three-party governing coalition, were forged from opposing sides in the Irish Civil War in the early 20th century.
They agreed to the rotating premiership as part of a coalition with Ireland’s Greens following 2020 elections.
Varadkar, who is mixed race and openly gay, is stepping up from deputy premier. Even in his second stint in the role, at 43 he is still one of Ireland’s youngest-ever leaders.
Speaking at a special sitting of the Irish parliament in Dublin, Varadkar paid tribute to his predecessor Martin, who he said had provided “reassurance and hope in difficult times”.
He added: “I accept this nomination with humility and resolve and a burning desire … to provide new hope and new opportunities for all our citizens.”