The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has had a great few months after he overwhelmingly won the race to become the leader of Fine Gael party and the youngest Taoiseach in Irish history, however the former Health Minister has a lot more to be smiling about this week after he was placed on the cover of the prestigious Time Magazine European Edition.
Mr Varadkar who came to the world’s attention recently when he became Taoiseach was placed on the cover of the magazine in recognition of swift rise to power in the Irish Government.
Varadkar who was interviewed by the world renowned magazine spoke about a number of key issues facing the country and he vowed to honour Michael Collins by making Ireland “An island that would be a shining light at the centre of the world.”
In the interview Mr Varadkar said that he and the Government would do everything they can to protect Ireland’s international standing in Europe and the world.
He also said that he didn’t endorse the idea of holding a referendum on a United Ireland but instead that he would focus on doing what is best for citizens both North and South of the border by negotiating the best possible deal with the UK and the EU that would protect the North’s status with compromising the peace process.
The Taoiseach also dismissed any idea of the possibility of a Irexit saying that Ireland remains committed to staying in the EU as they were one of the founding members of the common market.
Time’s detailed article which paid homage to the Taoiseach is seen as something of a major honour for Mr Varadkar as the magazine is known to a hold detailed selection process to name its cover star which is normally reserved for high profile and renowned world figures.