‘Leo was loved’: Brussels shocked at Varadkar’s exit, but Simon Harris’s lack of EU nous won’t go against him

'Matt will be delighted' – Leo Varadkar on his partner's reaction to him stepping down as Taoiseach

Gabija Gataveckaite

“WTF”, “Wow” and “Why?” were among the texts being sent out by key aides and advisers in Brussels to their Irish connections when the news of Leo Varadkar’s resignation emerged.

Polish prime minister Donald Tusk, with whom Varadkar was close on Brussels matters, was said to be “very sad” on learning the news.