Newscast Leo Varadkar on Brexit, Boris Johnson & Coming Out
11 snips
Sep 19, 2025 
Leo Varadkar, former Taoiseach of Ireland and author of "Speaking My Mind," shares his journey to leadership and discusses Brexit's impact on Ireland. He delves into his experiences with Boris Johnson during key negotiations and reflects on how coming out influenced his views on social issues. Varadkar addresses Ireland's housing crisis and the need for updated international refugee policies. He also shares light-hearted concert memories, revealing a love for pop music that adds a personal touch to his political narrative.
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Time‑Limited Backstop Was Considered
- Leo Varadkar reveals Ireland seriously considered a time-limited backstop to break the Brexit deadlock.
- He judged a time limit might reduce uncertainty but risked leaving Northern Ireland exposed long-term.
Why The Wirral Meeting Broke The Logjam
- Boris Johnson's flexibility and ruthlessness made a Northern Ireland‑only arrangement possible.
- Varadkar says those two shifts, plus election deadlines, clinched the deal.
Private Texts Helped Negotiations
- Varadkar recounts exchanging mobile numbers and texting Boris Johnson directly despite officials' dislike.
- He shares Johnson's informal texting style and their ability to speak privately without officials.
