Overview

Revealing story of his life in politics from an unlikely and singular Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar shares his fascinating experience as Irish prime minister at a time of much change and turbulence, in this remarkably honest memoir. Leo Varadkar was an unlikely Taoiseach - the youngest on taking office in 2017, the first Taoiseach to be gay, and the first person of colour to be Taoiseach. Equally unlikely was his decision to bow out of politics in his mid-forties. Now, liberated from the constraints of office, he tells his fascinating story with characteristic courage and candour, and provides a unique insight into the formation and evolution of a senior politician. In Speaking My Mind Leo Varadkar shares his pride in helping to bring about transformational changes, such as marriage equality. He describes experiences that only a prime minister could have - speaking frankly to Pope Francis on the legacy of church abuses, connecting with Barack Obama about both being the 'tall, dark guy with the funny name', navigating challenges such as the pandemic and the fallout from Brexit. And he writes honestly about the costs that go with the immense privilege of holding high office. Speaking My Mind is a revealing, intimate and important memoir from a singular public figure.

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9781844886937

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Reviews

Brings to life some of the behind-the-scenes moments of what has been a transformative period in Irish and global politics -- Mary Regan * Sunday Independent * A lively and easy read and can help in future examinations of a very fast-changing Ireland -- John Downing * Irish Independent *

Brings to life some of the behind-the-scenes moments of what has been a transformative period in Irish and global politics -- Mary Regan * Sunday Independent * Lively -- John Downing * Irish Independent *

Author Information

Leo Varadkar grew up in Dublin, the son of an Irish mother and an Indian father. He studied medicine at Trinity College Dublin, but practised as a doctor for just a short time before becoming a full-time politician after election to Dail ireann (the Irish parliament) in 2007. He became a cabinet minister in 2011 and in 2017, at the age of 38, he became Taoiseach. Leo Varadkar served as Taoiseach until 2020 and again from late 2022 until his resignation in April 2024. He lives with his partner in Dublin.

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