Leo Varadkar focused on Brexit and the economy at a poorly-attended Fine Gael National Conference last night.
The Taoiseach addressed the party faithful in Co Wexford at what was probably the last conference before the next General Election.
Mr Varadkar said the Government’s position on Brexit remains the same – Ireland will not moving on its commitment to the backstop as a guarantee that can’t be touched.
He added:“We live in extraordinary times. The last two-and-a-half years – the last two-and-half months – even the last two-and-a-half days – have seen many twists and turns in the Brexit saga.
“Throughout all of it, we have stayed firm. We have held our nerve and we have stayed the course.
“I feel I have learned something from Brexit, about leadership, and about the things necessary for success in politics.
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”The local and European elections come at a critical juncture in our history. They really matter for the future of our country and the future of Europe as well.”
Mr Varadkar described Fine Gael as “the party of Europe” and hailed its membership of the European People’s Party, which he said is “the most powerful force in European politics”.
He said: “Fine Gael’s membership of the EPP has been advantageous for Ireland.
“Michel Barnier, Jean Claude Juncker, Donald Tusk, Phil Hogan and Angela Merkel aren’t European officials –they’re our party colleagues.
“And that’s why it’s so important for Ireland that we have a strong Fine Gael team elected to the European Parliament on May 24.
“With 13 Irish MEPs in a parliament of 705, we need to send our best people to Brussels, and the Fine Gael ticket is the best team, bar none.
“Brexit brings home to all of us the importance of having the right team in place.”
