Varadkar’s comments highlight his view of media

Good morning. For the second day in a row, comments by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in the United States continue to dominate discussion in the corridors of Leinster House.

The Taoiseach may not like this, but people - media and politicians - are engaging in idle gossip about his remarks.

Perhaps some could say we are trivialising the very serious remarks he made. It is shocking, really.

His criticism of the media is legitimate in some respects, and the media must not be defensive or reactionary to the comments made.

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The Taoiseach made some relevant points, but to sympathise with the president of the United States on this subject was, in the words of our editorial, “staggeringly poor judgment”.

There are a number of issues that arise from Mr Varadkar’s attack on the media.

Firstly, they highlight a view he holds, but one he has hidden from public consumption. A very clear strategy has been adopted by Varadkar whereby the so-called traditional media is bypassed, and social media is used to connect with people, particularly younger voters.

The aim, of course, is obvious. It is the news on the politician’s terms.

It is absolutely essential in a functioning democracy that politicians are held to account for their actions.

Social media does not offer fair hearings. It falls hard on the side of criticism and conspiracy.

People will critique the political class from the safety of their Twitter or Facebook feed without fear of challenge. Traditional media does not have that luxury.

The comments also raise the worrying perception that the Taoiseach loses the run of himself when abroad. He famously quoted Love Actually when in Downing Street with Theresa May, shared socks with Justin Trudeau and appeared star-struck with Donald Trump in Washington.

Politically, they awaken Fine Gael to the difficulties in fighting an election with Mr Varadkar at the helm.

There is no doubt his strongest attribute is his ability to communicate. However, there are now questions over his ability to maintain that composure and coherence under pressure.

Fianna Fáil has always maintained time is its biggest asset in its fight against Fine Gael.

The party feels it can highlight those Varadkar shortcomings in a general election, which is generally a hostile environment with little time for consideration.

Fine Gael now finds itself in a conundrum as to whether it should bide its time before calling a general election.

One Fine Gael TD remarked yesterday: “Enda Kenny made the mistake of waiting. If Leo waits, things could get worse. They won’t get better.”

Best reads

More from Simon Carswell on those comments made by Varadkar in the United States. Some eyebrows were raised over his remarks on the gender pay gap.

Miriam Lord says the Taoiseach on Tour has lost the run of himself.

A Government spokesman appears to clarify what Mr Varadkar said.

The Irish Times view is here.

The editor of the Journal.ie takes aim at Leo Varadkar.

While in the Indo, Kevin Doyle says the Taoiseach has revealed some uncomfortable truths for the media.

Elsewhere, Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan comes under renewed pressure to scrap the Judicial Appointments Bill.

The CervicalCheck controversy rumbles on as nine new cases are lodged against the cervical cancer screening service.

And the European Commission warns of major risks to Irish economy.

Playbook

Cabinet meets today, and the agenda is pretty packed. Open disclosure, RTÉ’s concert orchestra, a referendum on the woman’s place in the home, an insurance database and the Judicial Commission Bill are all up for discussion.

Dail

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan is taking questions at 10.30am.

Leaders’ Questions is at noon followed by a series of votes.

Government legislation is debated throughout the evening. The Heritage Bill and Labour TD Alan Kelly’s Bill on small breweries will be considered until 11pm.

Seanad

The Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill and the National Archives (Amendment) Bill 2017.

Committees

The Health Service Executive is to appear before the Public Accounts Committee at 9am.

At 9.30am, Richard Bruton, Minister for Education and Skills, is up.

Also, representatives from the Joint Managerial Body/Association of Management of Catholic Secondary Schools.

Bank of Ireland chief executive Francesca McDonagh is before the finance committee.