Can the first-impression ‘magic’ trick endure for Leo Varadkar?
And standing in front of his swelling sea of adoring fans on Saturday, the early favourite’s X factor was apparent for all to see.
But as the best magicians know, the point of the trick is that first impressions can sometimes be deceptive — a potential substance-over-style pitfall Mr Varadkar must now ensure does not derail his runaway leadership campaign.
Speaking at his official leadership bid launch at Dublin City Council headquarters on Saturday, Mr Varadkar’s perfect campaign start remained, well, perfect.
The sun was shining, hordes of Fine Gael supporters cheered his every word, and a “choir” of 45 parliamentary party supporters — including oh-so late arrivals Ms Fitzgerald, Michael Ring, Catherine Byrne, senator Joe O’Reilly, and senator Kieran O’Donnell — were among those giving the loudest applause.
With Leo cupcakes welcoming guests, a sea of arms holding aloft luminous posters emblazoned with his name, and a three-minute “Is mise Leo” video promoting his achievements, Ms Fitzgerald began championing Mr Varadkar, saying “there is a magic to the way he thinks”.
As Mr Varadkar strode purposefully on-stage, he explained he wants to be a taoiseach with a new “social contract” for all citizens, but will focus on those who “get up early and work hard” — a clear reference to Fine Gael’s electoral heartland.
Pageantry out of the way, his answers to 15 minutes of media questions were equally loudly cheered — almost enough to drown out any mention of subtle qualifiers in the social contract fine print.
If taoiseach, Mr Varadkar will “honour” the confidence and supply deal with Fianna Fáil and not “cut and run”, provided Micheál Martin’s party honours it too.
He believes Enda Kenny did a “phenomenal” Brexit job, but has “no regrets” about allegedly hounding him out and will not appoint him to any future post.
Should he win the leadership race, he will reach out to rival Mr Coveney, but will leave others, including Coveney supporter Simon Harris, to wait and see.
Regarding the Garda Commissioner and the eighth amendment, there are soft, media friendly words but no firm answers.
Saturday’s launch was proof of the Varadkar campaign’s perfect start. No missteps, everything on message, and the perfect image of the perfect 21st century leader coming from every corner of the room.
Even as some in the crowd guffawed at a question over what he will do “if” he becomes taoiseach, he stayed on course, saying there will be “no complacency” and grassroots views must be heard. After all, he smiled coyly, he’s always wanted this to happen.
Right now, Leo’s ‘magic’ trick is everywhere you look. Just 12 more days to see if the first impression holds.
