The Taoiseach made a speech at a Fine Gael think-in on Thursday.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar outlined three key principles needed to “build the Republic of Opportunity” at a Fine Gael think-in in Clonmel in Tipperary on Thursday.
Ahead of the return of Dáil Éireann after a summer break next week, Fine Gael TDs, ministers and senators gathered for a two-day think-in in the Tipperary town to discuss strategy, future elections and plans for this year’s budget, which is set to include some good news for middle-income earners.
In a speech streamed on Facebook Live, Varadkar paid tribute to his predecessor as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny and mentioned social issues such as taxes, housing and education and the party’s policy regarding such issues going forward.
A central theme of the speech was Varadkar’s ambition to build a “Republic of Opportunity” in Ireland, an ambition, he said, which is underlined by three key principles.
“The Fine Gael leadership campaign allowed me to articulate and develop a vision for Ireland – how after a lost decade for many of our citizens and our country, we must take Ireland forward to realise the ambitions of our people and build the Republic of Opportunity,” Varadkar said.
“There are three broad principles that underline that ambition.
“One – that everyone has an equal opportunity to be the best person they can be, that everyone gets a fair go and, in particular, that every child has the chance to grow up to be the best person they can be.
“Two – that every part of the country has the opportunity to share in our recovery and prosperity.
“And three – that there are second chances for all those who need them.”
You can see Varadkar’s speech in full in the video above and read the text of the speech in full here.
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