“It is who I am and it isn’t going to change.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar sought to “bust some myths” in the Dáil on Tuesday in defence of the Strategic Communications Unit (SCU), which has been the subject of criticism from the opposition of late.
In an address to the Dáil chamber, Varadkar said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to bust some myths.
“First of all, the SCU doesn’t run any of my Twitter, Facebook or Instagram accounts. It doesn’t record or promote my weekly video nor decide what I wear.
“It has minimal input into my speeches and press releases and preparation for interviews; these are all done by me with the help of my political staff.
“My communication style is different. It’s more direct, more personal, more present and more modern. Some people don’t like it, I accept that, other people do like it and I accept that too, some would prefer a more traditional model.
“Either way, it is who I am and it isn’t going to change, SCU or no SCU.”
BREAKING:Taoiseach @campaignforleo takes opportunity to “bust some myths” about the Strategic Communications Unit. On his ‘modern’ communication style, he says, “It is who I am and it isn’t going to change.” @rtenews pic.twitter.com/T5WaVEieUg
— RTÉ Politics (@rtepolitics) March 20, 2018
Varadkar’s comments come after the SCU was branded as “a disgusting abuse of power by a Government whose sole interest is not that of the ordinary people but of self-preservation and promotion” by Sinn Féin.
Sinn Féin’s Maurice Quinlivan said that “Fine Gael’s penchant for spin is putting in jeopardy the neutrality of the civil service” while Gerry Adams described the SCU as “a shameless PR strategy of self-promotion by Fine Gael” and called for it to be disbanded.
Earlier this year, there was criticism of the Special Communications Unit after a number of advertorials appeared promoting Project Ireland 2040 in local and national media, advertorials which were paid for by the Government.
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