Fine Gael Leadership Campaign 2017

Leo Varadkar

I joined Fine Gael when I was seventeen years old because I was inspired by its vision for Ireland and its unshakeable integrity when it came to how politics should operate.

I am still inspired by these values. I believe Fine Gael can articulate a message that will resonate and inspire. It can also be popular, and prove that a political message can be successful without any of the crude populism that has tainted politics in some countries around the world.

Fine Gael should be a party that can attract votes in Castleknock and Clondalkin, Dungarvan and Doohoma, not because we are all things to all people but because there are people in all areas and all walks of life who share our values.

Profile

D.O.B.

18.01.1979. Age: 38

Home

Blanchardstown, Dublin

Education

Qualified as a Medical Doctor from Trinity College, Dublin

Experience

I first ran unsuccessfully in the local elections in 1999 at the age of 20 when the party needed a candidate. That was a hugely valuable experience and over the next five years I worked hard at all levels of the party in Dublin West. I stood again in 2004, winning the highest vote in Ireland (almost 5,000 votes). As a result of that experience, I understand the work and importance of a local councillor and know the personal and financial sacrifices that local authority members have to make.

In 2002, Fine Gael only secured half a quota in Dublin West and with three of Ireland’s biggest political personalities competing in the three-seater constituency in Brian Lenihan, Joan Burton and Joe Higgins, Fine Gael were not expected to win in 2007. However, the FG first preference vote almost doubled and I took a seat from Joe Higgins. I was re-elected in 2011 and in 2016 topped the poll.

I served on the Fine Gael frontbench from 2007-11 as Spokesperson for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and later Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Following the 2011 General Election, I was appointed to Cabinet, serving as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and subsequently Minister for Health.

After the 2016 General Election, I was appointed Minister for Social Protection.

Interests

Sport (rugby and Gaelic football), music and history. I am a fitness fan and love taking part in runs, triathlons and swims.

Achievements

Providing free GP care to the under sixes and over 70s.
Introducing Paternity Benefit.
Launching a New Deal for the Self-Employed.
Producing Ireland’s first National Maternity Strategy.
Kicking off Ireland’s bid for the Rugby World Cup 2023.
Opening up more bus routes to competition.
Spearheading the hugely successful Gathering tourism initiative.
Boosting tourism with a special 9% VAT rate.
Ensuring the New Children’s Hospital secured planning permission and will be publicly owned and operated.
Gave Shannon Airport its long-sought independence.

Questions & Answers

Why should you be the next leader of Fine Gael?

I joined Fine Gael when I was seventeen years old, not because anyone encouraged me, but because I was inspired by its vision for Ireland and its unshakeable integrity when it came to how politics should operate. I am still inspired by these values. I believe Fine Gael can articulate a message that will resonate and inspire. It can also be popular, and prove that a political message can be successful without any of the crude populism that has tainted politics in some countries around the world. Fine Gael should be a party that can attract votes in Castleknock and Clondalkin, Dungarvan and Doohoma, not because we are all things to all people but because there are people in all areas and all walks of life who share our values.

At this juncture in our history, as our country faces a series of difficult challenges both internal and external, I believe that I can offer a new kind of leadership, and help navigate a new way forward for Fine Gael and Ireland. I have the courage to take us forward as a party and country but I can only do it with your help and support.

What is your vision for the Fine Gael party?

You, as a Fine Gael member, are the party’s greatest resource. Too often, members feel used and abused, there for door knocking or fundraising, but ignored when big decisions are taken. THAT’S GOING TO CHANGE. We have within our party competent and capable people who joined to make a difference and who believe in Fine Gael’s values and policies. The exact same applies to our elected public representatives who are an untapped resource who want to contribute more. Everyone’s voice needs to be heard and respected.

I passionately believe that being a member of Fine Gael must be meaningful. People who pay the membership fee should feel that they are getting something for it. Namely, a real input into politics. Members and supporters should have a greater role in our discussions and decisions. As a Young Fine Gael member, I led the charge to give party members a say in who leads the party and won the debate about it on the floor of the Ard Fheis. It would be a great honour to be the first Leader elected with this enhanced mandate.

What is your vision for Ireland?

Ireland stands at a crossroads. The economic collapse, driven by factors both domestic and international, required strong and decisive government. We are now emerging from what has been a lost decade for many of our people. Now we require new ambition to respond to the challenges that have built up, to meet the hopes, aspirations and needs of all our people.

To bring Ireland forward, I propose a number of ideas for change. These are not the entire sum of what we will do. Rather, they are chosen to illustrate the direction I believe we need to take. These policy ideas and proposals derive from Fine Gael’s values.

These ideas are across seven themes:
• a new social contract;
• an ambitious and expansionary economic policy;
• a vision for a global Ireland;
• fair play for the private sector;
• a catch-up plan for the Ireland left behind;
• building a better society; and
• modernising national and local government.

For more about my ideas for taking our country forward and my vision for renewing and reforming visit www.campaignforleo.ie.

What are your main priorities in terms of policy?

1. Take Ireland forward with my plan for a new social contract, a more ambitious and expansionary economic policy, and a plan for the Ireland left behind.

2. Democratise and energise the party, making it a fighting force again. Enhance the role of members.

To find out more about my plans for Ireland and Fine Gael, please go to my website www.campaignforleo.ie