Brendan O'Connor Leo Varadkar: "If I hadn't gone into politics, I'd be an angry man on Twitter"
Sep 13, 2025
Leo Varadkar, the former Taoiseach of Ireland and author of 'Speaking My Mind,' shares insights from his remarkable journey in politics. He opens up about his childhood shyness, political awakening, and the emotional challenges of leading during the pandemic. Varadkar also reflects on his coming out journey and societal pressures he faced, discussing the evolution of his views from conservative to liberal. With candid stories from his political life, he addresses the importance of communication and the personal toll of leadership.
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Early Political Spark
- Leo Varadkar traced his political fascination back to voting with his mother as a child and feeling transformed by democracy.
- He recalls being captivated by posters and ordinary people becoming leaders, which sparked a lifelong interest in politics.
Reserved Leader Comforts In Structure
- Varadkar describes himself as reserved and shy, preferring structured settings like debates or speeches to social mingling.
- He trained himself to be more outgoing because leadership requires visible engagement, not just competence.
Performative Empathy Matters
- Growing up in a family where feelings were private shaped Varadkar's reluctance for performative empathy.
- He later learned that demonstrating empathy publicly is an essential leadership communication skill.
