Following the vote in the Dáil, Joseph Daul, the President of the European People’s Party (EPP), congratulated Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s newly confirmed Taoiseach:

“On behalf of the EPP, I would like to warmly congratulate Leo Varadkar, who today became Ireland’s youngest-ever Taoiseach. Under the leadership of Fine Gael (FG) and Enda Kenny, Ireland has turned the tide and achieved steady growth, fiscal consolidation and job creation. Once more, I would like to thank Enda Kenny for his dedication and commend his impressive work in service of the Irish people.

I am confident that Leo Varadkar will carry on Enda Kenny’s legacy, that he will continue to protect the interests of the Irish people, defend European values and bring a new momentum to the country. His first steps at the head of Fine Gael have already demonstrated great leadership, as he has appointed Simon Coveney, his challenger in the party leadership contest, as FG Deputy Leader.

With Brexit looming, it is of the utmost importance that the EPP have a reliable and strong partner in Ireland, a country on the frontline with regard to the consequences of the UK’s departure from the EU. I am glad that we can count on Leo Varadkar to ensure the stability of the island and avoid any disruption to the lives of Irish citizens. Ireland can rely on our support.

On a more personal note, I am very proud to see Leo Varadkar, a former Youth EPP vice-president, take the helm of the Irish government. It is proof that the youth is our future. We must continue to prepare the EPP’s younger generations to lead the Europe of today and tomorrow.