Sir, – While the Taoiseach has not stated his particular reasons for stepping down, other than to say they are personal and political, one wonders whether, given the shambles of both a hasty and unconsidered preparation and result of the recent referendums, he has chosen this time as he believes his political antennae, the sine qua non of any politician hoping to do well, have failed him horribly in accurately assessing the mood and result the Government wanted; that being so he has decided to go.
His initial election undoubtedly, and for the better, changed the country’s idea of the possibilities open to politicians who run for high office.
He’s a decent man who, though not everything has gone his way politically, was prepared to say what he thought and do his best.
How, after a period of proper reflection, he might be judged as a leader of the nation who got things done, and who made a difference, must inevitably come later. – Yours, etc,
ALASTAIR CONAN,
Coulsdon,
London.
Sir, – Will any of those Fine Gael TDs who said they would not be contesting the next general election now be reconsidering their decision? – Yours, etc,
PAUL DELANEY,
Dalkey,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – We have two Opposition parties whose leaders were “given a crown” rather than through internal party competition and election. Let us hope that there will be a robust competition in the search for a new taoiseach. – Yours, etc,
PAT O’CONNOR,
Cork.
Sir, – If politicians expect the general public to trust our political institutions, a general election should be called as soon as a new leader of Fine Gael is elected. Any other short-term Fine Gael-led Coalition will only perpetuate public cynicism. – Yours, etc,
MIKE MORAN,
Dublin 3.
Sir, – I hope Taoiseach Leo Varadkar isn’t just following the advice of his advisers. – Yours, etc,
CHRIS FITZPATRICK,
Dublin 6.
Sir, – The Taoiseach must have listened intently to Jürgen Klopp on his decision to retire from Liverpool FC. – Yours, etc,
PAT CULLEN,
Tramore,
Co Waterford.
Sir, – Could it be time for our first female taoiseach? It might not be the woman people presumed it was going to be! – Yours, etc,
EAMON FARRELL,
Dublin 4.
Sir, – In response to Leo Varadkar’s resignation, could Opposition politicians not just have wished him well, and said politics is for another day? – Yours, etc
PETER THORNES,
Dublin 2.
A chara, – While there may never be a right time to resign as leader of Fine Gael, there is always a right time to move away from a job when you can’t give any more. There is a limit to the fire-hose of negativity that anybody can tolerate. – Is mise,
DERMOT O’ROURKE,
Lucan,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Leo Varadkar resigns at 45. Joe Biden hangs on at 81. – Yours, etc,
KEVIN DEVITTE,
Westport,
Co Mayo.