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04 Apr 2026
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04 Apr 2026
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Charlie Flanagan and Leo Varadkar in Portlaoise in 2015 when a controversial report in to Portlaoise hospital was published.
Fine Gael's Laois Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan has paid tribute to Leo Varadkar after the Taoiseach decided to quit as Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach.
Dep Flanagan praised Mr Varadkar in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
"I supported Leo Varadkar for leadership of Fine Gael in 2017. I was privileged when he asked me to become the State’s Minister for Justice & Equality from 2017 to 2020.
"I worked closely with him on this and many other issues. I am surprised at his sudden decision to step down as leader. I wish him every happiness and health for future pursuits," he said.
Dep Flangan served in Government with Dublin West TD when Enda Kenny was Taoiseach. During this period Minister Varadkar was Minister for Health when Portlaoise hospital was engulfed in controversy in 2014 over baby deaths at the maternity unit. More below picture.
Charlie Flanagan and Leo Varadkar on a zoom call in Mountmellick.
Mr Varadkar took a hands-on approach to controversy by visiting the hospital staff and also meeting the relatives in Portlaoise hotel. Dep Flanagan accompanied him on one such visit to the hospital in 2015 when HIQA produced a landmark report on the hospital which called for extensive changes to services.
While he supported families, the doctor by training never endorsed downgrade as Minister or Taoiseach.
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