Outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the Government made “real progress” in his last speech to the Fine Gael Ard Fheis as leader of the country.
Speaking at the annual conference at the University of Galway, Mr Varadkar noted the party had entered its 14th year in Government last month, a first-time milestone for Fine Gael.
“Under Simon Harris, I believe we can secure a historic fourth term in Government after the next general election. Something no party has achieved in a half century,” he said.
“Not because we want to make history but because it is the right thing for our country and our people.
“We need to protect all that has been achieved, build on it and put right the things we have not yet.”
Varadkar's time in office
The outgoing Taoiseach said Fine Gael has “led Ireland from unemployment to full employment, from austerity to prosperity, from budget deficit to budget surplus”.
“We led through a pandemic in which we saved thousands of lives, businesses, and jobs, and through Brexit when we prevented a hard border between North and South and protected our place at the heart of the European Union,” he said.
“We have made the country a more equal and more modern place enshrining the rights of children in constitution and advancing the rights of women, the LGBT community, and other minorities.”
He also listed “steps towards affordable childcare”, falling waitlists for GP appointments, increased funding for arts and culture and the introduction of technological universities as Fine Gael achievements.
“That’s real progress,” he said. “Don’t let them say otherwise.”
Outgoing Taoiseach
He noted, like Enda Kenny and Michael Noonan before them, himself and Fine Gael deputy leader Simon Coveney have served their time.
“Delegates, today, we turn a new chapter on the story of Fine Gael,” he said.
“Now is the time for the next chapter under Simon Harris a man who has the energy, empathy, experience, and campaigning skills to bring this party forward and to bring our project to the next stage.
“My only ask is that you give him and his team your loyalty and total support.”
Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys was appointed the new deputy of Fine Gael following Mr Coveney’s resignation.
