Leo Varadkar hopes unionists will reassess negative perceptions of him

Leo Varadkar is stepping down from his role (PA)

Leo Varadkar has expressed hope that negative perceptions of him among some unionists will be reassessed in the future.

The outgoing Taoiseach was often portrayed within sections of the unionist community as a divisive figure during the Brexit process, amid claims his drive to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland ultimately led to the EU and UK agreeing trading arrangements that created economic barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.