A test of character for Varadkar - Will he be a chairman or a chief?

SINCE the foundation of the State, we have had a succession of taoisigh with various modus operandi, some prepared to work with those in opposition in a collegiate manner, others preferring to take the confrontational route.

Political analyst and broadcaster, Brian Farrell, famously coined the phrase “chairman or chief” to describe those

different approaches and this has since been used to assess the leadership styles of taoisigh past and present.

Éamon de Valera, both as taoiseach and, later, president, was always a chief. Indeed, he was described as such by none other than Michael Collins. In later years, so was Charles J Haughey.

Both Fianna Fáil leaders were determined to bully, harass, and cajole others to their way of thinking. Jack Lynch was different — a smart, cunning, and charming political leader, who was prepared to listen to all sides, before making a decision, although he usually got his way.

The Fine Gael leader and taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald, was in the Lynch mould, preferring the role of chairman, and no less effective for that. He was an enormously powerful persuader, during his term of office, particularly in bringing British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, to the table to sign the Anglo-Irish Agreement in 1985.

Enda Kenny sought a third option, as captain of the ship of state, while his predecessor, Brian Cowen, was more of a manager, than anything else.

As the Dáil resumes after the summer recess, it will be up to Leo Varadkar to decide whether he wishes to be a chairman or chief, captain or manager.

Which is best? As we enter a period of turmoil in the wake of Brexit, Ireland needs a decisive and effective political leader, someone prepared to take charge and take a stand in the interests of the country. But we also need someone with vision, a Taoiseach who can look to the future and put party political interests aside.

From what we have seen so far of Leo Varadkar, he has the capacity to be a chief, not afraid to voice his opinion on a variety of subjects. Indeed, his weekly video podcasts show him to be a consummate communicator.

But is he prepared to engage with others who do not share his views? Can he be chairman as well as chief? He will need to be both to solidify the confidence-and-supply arrangement with Fianna Fáil. It will take substance, as well as style, for him to become the Taoiseach we need and the Taoiseach that many feel he can become.

But domestic concerns cannot be ignored. The first item on the agenda of the Dail, as it resumes, is Budget 2018 and the rapidly declining fiscal space available to lessen the enormous tax burden on the squeezed middle-income earners. There is also the issue of abortion and the prospect of repealing the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution.

It will take guile, courage, and cunning by Taoiseach Varadkar to negotiate the way forward. He will need to be all of the above — chairman, chief, captain and manager — to succeed.