Irish society has woven a remarkable story of diversity with an ethnic politician rising to become Prime Minister. Leo Varadkar, 38, born in Ireland, is the son of an Indian doctor and an Irish nurse, and is also gay. This is a huge change for a nation still trying to find its secular footing after being under the influence of the Catholic Church. As Europe’s fastest growing economy, trying to find a delicate balance between historic ties with Britain and its EU presence as Britain prepares to leave the bloc, it will soon have a “Taoiseach” from the centre-right, whose fiscal conservative politics took centrestage in the battle for leadership of the Fine Gael party. Varadkar’s ascent is another significant step to equality in a country where gay marriage is now legal.
Ireland’s future may have little to do with its Premier’s sexuality and more with how its economy builds. Dubbed a Thatcherite for his attack on “welfare cheats” and derided for being anti-poor, Varadkar hasn’t been popular on the social media. His comment backing people “who rise early” may have alienated him from many. For an Indian immigrant’s son to become PM of a European country is a phenomenal achievement, and there’s hope his win will add to the image of a progressive Ireland.
