Varadkar says FG should prepare for historic fourth term in Government

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the Fine Gael Ard Fheis at the University of Galway. He has asked the party's grassroots to give their full support to incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris. Picture Dan Linehan

Fine Gael should be preparing for a historic fourth term in Government, outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said in his final speech as party president.

Mr Varadkar has also urged the Fine Gael grassroots to give their total support to incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris.

Addressing the party Ard Fheis in Galway, Mr Varadkar said going into government again after the next general election would the right thing.

He told the crowd that the party needs to "protect all that has been achieved" and "build on it".

Mr Varadkar added: "Last month, we entered our 14th year in government, something we have never achieved before. And 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.

"Not because we want to make history but because it is the right thing for our country and our people."

He said Fine Gael has brought Ireland from unemployment to full employment, from austerity to prosperity, from budget deficit to budget surplus.

Urging all members to support Mr Harris, Mr Varadkar said the change in leadership signals a new chapter in the story of Fine Gael.

"For almost seven years, Enda Kenny and Michael Noonan led our party. They did what needed to be done. They fixed our economy, restored our prosperity, our sovereignty, and our self-respect.

"For the next seven years, Simon Coveney and I led this party. We did what needed to be done too. We led the country through Brexit, through the pandemic, through inflation to full employment and greater equality and opportunity.

"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," said Mr Varadkar.