Time for Leo Varadakar to stand up and be counted

Six months after taking up politics’ poisoned chalice, the honeymoon may finally be over for health minister Leo Varadkar, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

It goes without saying everyone needs a break to recharge the batteries. But try telling that to a baying public out for blood and, if it’s not too much trouble, a health service that occasionally works.

Six months into his tenure, Health Minister Leo Varadkar is facing the first crisis of his own making, ending a honeymoon period of which James Reilly and Mary Harney could only dream.