Leo Varadkar’s decision to step down as a TD has nothing to do with a plot to assassinate him while he was Tánaiste, Paschal Donohoe has said.
Yesterday, Mr Varadkar said he would not put his name forward to be Fine Gael’s candidate in Dublin West at the next election.
The announcement came amid reports that Gardaí had foiled a group of far-right extremists in their plot to murder him.
On The Pat Kenny Show, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe described his outgoing colleague as a “really incredible politician and human being” – and said he did not think the plot had any impact on his decision to step down as a TD.
“In politics, you have many, many ups and downs and it is a craft in which resilience is particularly important,” he said.
“I can tell you Leo Varadkar was as tough as they come.
“I honestly don’t think the behaviour of such a small minority influenced him.
“I think he just decided [that his] time was done for other reasons and more positive reasons.
"Honestly, I wish him all the best in the future.”
On Saturday, former US President Donald Trump was nearly assassinated and today Sinn Féin President Mary Lou said she had reported a man to Gardaí for threatening to kill her.
Last night a threat to kill me was issued online. The individual said he would shoot me dead.
This represents an escalation of targeted online abuse directed at me over the last year. It is totally unacceptable.
I have reported this to An Garda Síochána.
Ironically, this…
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) July 17, 2024
Minister Donohoe said he feels politics across the world has become increasingly dangerous.
“Political violence and attempted political violence has become far more of an issue than we would ever want - or ever expect,” he said.
“I always make the point in these kinds of discussions that the vast, overwhelming, majority of people - particularly in this country - behave in such a civil and understanding way to politicians.
“That’s been my experience but unfortunately there are a small number of threats that are increasing.”
Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe speaks to the media in the Government Buildings. (PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo)Minister Donohoe also praised Gardaí, who he said do an “incredible job” keeping public representatives safe.
“Some of us have had to deal with difficulties at times where we’re really well supported by the Guards and their work,” he said.
“As difficult as those moments are, they can’t diminish your appetite for politics and the importance of politics.
“It’s a really small, tiny minority of people who act like that.”
In a statement to Newstalk, a Garda spokesperson said they do not comment on the security of Government Ministers but such matters "remain under continuous review."
Main image: Leo Varadkar. Picture by: Sam Boal/RollingNews
