Can the first-impression ‘magic’ trick endure for Leo Varadkar?

There is, as his (eventual) supporter, Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald opined, a “magic” to Leo Varadkar, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

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.