Shock, surprise and disappointment were the feelings being expressed in Leo Varadkar’s constituency of Castleknock village today as news trickled out about his resignation as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael.
“I literally heard about five minutes ago from customers in the shop,” said Monica McGinn, adding it was far from a normal day working in the Shamon Boutique.
“I was totally shocked, I didn’t see that coming,” she said.
Ms McGinn said she will be sorry to see Mr Varadkar go, describing him as a “straight talker”.
Michael and Mary O’Byrne said they were surprised and disappointed by the news.
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“I think Leo has done a pretty good job by and large and I think it’s going to be a bit of a mess for Fine Gael and the joint party arrangement,” Mr O’Byrne said.
The couple said they know Leo Varadkar a long time from the area.
Mr O’Byrne added: “His dad was our GP, we would have seen him many times over the years.”
Ms O’Byrne said she was sad to see him step down.
“It was quiet a surprise, I think he’s been a very good Taoiseach but lots of good followers there, Simon Coveney, Simon Harris, they’re all very good,” she said.
While others said they were shocked by his decision, many were not surprised he has decided to step away after 20 years in politics.
