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Second chance: has Varadkar learned from his mistakes?

Leo Varadkar may have picked up a few tips from Micheál Martin on what he could do better as Taoiseach this time around, but he’s taking over the reins at a time when both the country and his party face multiple headaches

Leo Varadkar: the Tánaiste will assume the role of Taoiseach for the second time on December 17. Picture: Fergal Phillips

There has been a feeling in Fine Gael that Leo Varadkar has had something of an identity crisis during his years as Tánaiste. Now, with Varadkar shortly to become Taoiseach once again, there is a mood of optimism among his TDs that he will, as one of them put it, “find his mojo”.

His main focus when he assumes the role of Taoiseach on December 17 will not surprise anyone: restoring the social contract by ...