Wanted: Special advisers for Varadkar

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been planning his ascent to the top of the political mountain for a long time.

Now that he has reached the summit, it was somewhat surprising to hear him admit in the Dail yesterday that he does not already have a coterie of special advisers, or Spads as they call them up in my neck of the woods.

“I intend to recruit a number of special advisers, including a chief of staff,” he confirmed.

Both Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and deputy Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald wanted to know who advised Mr Varadkar most on the crucial issue of Brexit.

Miriam Lord: Mary Lou fires opening salvo in latest round of ‘Utility Wars’

---

Northern talks to continue until Monday as deadline is missed

---

European Commission warns against USC abolition

---

Garda head of finances accuses internal auditor of defamation

---

Luckily for Mr Varadkar, he said he already has a "sherpa" in the form of John Callinan, second secretary general at the Department of the Taoiseach.

Labour leader Brendan Howlin reckoned he could already detect the influence of noted historian Dr Patrick Geoghegan, who has joined the Taoiseach's team as a speechwriter and researcher.

When Mr Howlin said he assumed Mr Varadkar would recruit an “influential economic adviser” like his predecessor, the modest response was: “I have not figured out the composition of my advisory team yet.”

Mr Varadkar said he wanted to have a “working understanding” of his new role before he formed a full working team, and he also wished to develop a better grasp of what “good expertise” already existed in his Department. “Where there are gaps I will try to fill those with my advisory team.”

Ministers will also be hiring of course. Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy has secured the services of Jack O'Donnell, who previously worked for Enda Kenny, as his policy and press adviser.

Meanwhile, Cathy Madden, former deputy government press secretary nominated by the Labour Party, has been appointed head of communications at Frances Fitzgerald's Department of Jobs. She will take up the civil service position in two weeks.

Ms Madden was head of public affairs with PSG Communications, which was bought by Teneo last year, and is director of Teneo's strategy division.