28 June, 2017
"I believe Leo Varadkar will make an excellent Taoiseach for all the people of the Republic of Ireland and for all the people of Donegal".
"I've been elected to lead, but I promise to serve", the 38-year-old Dublin native said.
While analysts expect few major policy shifts from Varadkar and his new cabinet, the new Fine Gael leader has hinted at some changes.
"They noted they would each be meeting with the Northern Ireland parties over coming days and agreed that the Taoiseach would meet with the Prime Minister in the very near future to continue their discussions", the spokesperson said.
Leo Varadkar was first elected as a councillor at the age of 24 and was elected to the Irish Parliament in 2007.
"Simon and I will work together to guide the participation by Fine Gael in the Government, and reform and modernise the Fine Gael Party in the years ahead", Mr Varadkar said.
"As our youngest taoiseach, he represents a modern, diverse and inclusive Ireland and speaks for them like no other", Kenny said.
Varadkar came out as a gay man in 2015, when Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage through popular vote.
In his first speech as Taoiseach, Varadkar told the Dail, the Irish Parliament, "The U.K. has been through some awful tragedies over the past few weeks so we offer them our sympathy and solidarity".
Due to his sexuality and ethnic background, he is seen by many as a liberal leader of a country once perceived as socially conservative. "I think that is too restrictive", he said. His partner, Matthew Barrett, is a doctor at Dublin's Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. After the UK's decision with Brexit, Ireland remains in a delicate position, particularly with United Kingdom trade links and the Irish border.
The administration is propped up by Fine Gael's ancient rivals Fianna Fail as part of a supply and confidence arrangement after an unprecedented schism in the electorate.
Varadkar confirmed he would meet this week with Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams and Arlene Foster, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland to discuss Brexit.
More recently he has oversaw Ireland's welfare system.
