At 38, Varadkar, who won 60 percent support in the party’s electoral college, will become the youngest person to lead the Irish government since it gained independence from Britain in 1922. The current minister for social protection is also openly gay and the son of a Hindu immigrant father who was born in India. He trained as a medical doctor. [...]
Varadkar takes over at a time when the country prepares to tackle three major issues which, if handled poorly, could backfire politically on the Irish government, which comprises of 11 Fine Gael parliamentarians, known as TDs, and three independents in cabinet, as well as the agreed support of the main opposition party, Fianna Fáil.
Formal negotiations on Brexit will commence later this month with the future for the border separating the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland still unclear, an issue which could have massive implications for the Irish economy.
Added to this is a major housing crisis in the greater Dublin area and the prospect of the fourth referendum in 34 years on the delicate issue of abortion. [...]
A number of back-bench members of parliament who were disgruntled at being overlooked for promotion by Kenny, opted for Varadkar instead of his closest leadership rival Simon Coveney when it became clear three weeks ago that Varadkar’s bid was building momentum.
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