Caretaker Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is the on the defensive in relation to his picnic with his boyfriend and two other friends in the Phoenix Park last Sunday.
The Fine Gael leader insisted he “broke no laws” in having a picnic with friends but many have accused Varadkar of hypocrisy as his secretary had recently stated that social distancing rules will not be lifted any time soon and that Gardai would still enforce a lockdown on Irish citizens.
Department of the Taoiseach Assistance Secretary General Liz Canavan last week urged people not to have picnics in public areas after the first phase of lockdown restrictions being eased and the country basks in warm and sunny weather.
“If you’re visiting a public amenity try not to stay too long at the site or have picnics. Please do your exercise and then go home.” Ms Canavan said.
In an effort at damage limitation, RTE report that a spokesman for the Taoiseach explained:
“Last Sunday afternoon, he and his partner met two friends in the Phoenix Park. As is allowed in Phase One, this involved a group of four people meeting outdoors who were within 5km of home and stayed physically apart.
Government guidelines allow people to spend time in the outdoors within 5km of their home while continuing to observe social distancing and good hygiene. There are no specific Government guidelines on eating outdoors or picnics,”
The Taoiseach had moved to Stewards Lodge in the state owned Farmleigh estate in the Phoenix Park at the outset of the Covid-19 lockdown which is just within the 5KM of the Wellington Monument where the picnic took place which is limit for travel citizens travel in Phase Two.
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