Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has paid tribute to outgoing Taoiseach Micheál Martin in his Ard Fheis speech as he prepares to return to the top job.
In an impassioned speech to over 2,000 delegates at the Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone, the Fine Gael leader vowed to “stop” Sinn Féin entering Government in the next General Election.
The Tánaiste defended Fine Gael’s record in Government as he highlighted the achievements of the coalition.
Mr Varadkar will regain the Taoiseach's office on December 17, while Mr Martin will become Tánaiste.
In his Ard Fheis speech, he paid tribute to the Fianna Fáil leader.
“We know how to work with other parties in Government, to work together on an agreed mission, and achieve real results,” Mr Varadkar said.
“We’ve shown that we can work with the Green Party, the Labour Party, with Independents, and even with our historic opponents, Fianna Fáil. We can make a coalition work and we can make it last.
“Let’s acknowledge tonight that our Taoiseach Micheál Martin has been a good one.
“Through difficult circumstances, including the later stages of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, he has been a voice for decency, kindness and for common sense. We thank him.
“Fine Gael’s tradition and policies are different to those of Fianna Fáil. But our parties have the maturity to find agreement, to build a consensus with our colleagues in the Green Party and to work together in the service of our country.”
Mr Varadkar also used his speech to take aim at Sinn Féin.
He mentioned Sinn Féin’s finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty by name, arguing that “a middle-income couple will pay €2k less in income tax under Paschal than they would under Pearse...and that’s a fact”.
He also vowed to stop Sinn Féin from entering Government following the next election.
“Coming into this campus today, someone asked me would I ever consider going into coalition with Sinn Féin?” he said
“I gave them a clear and unambiguous answer from all of us; No. No way. Not a chance.
“I believe Sinn Féin when they tell us who they are: an ultra-nationalist, radical left, populist, euro-critical party. Their policies would be a disaster for Ireland.
“Their shaky commitment to democracy and to free speech is extremely concerning. As is the ambiguity towards serious crime.
“The next general election will be the most important in a generation.
“We need to make sure the centre holds and grows and that they are stopped.
“And delegates, I promise you, we will.”
Mr Varadkar argued that the Government and his party have ensured the country has “full employment, more affordable childcare and better pensions”.
He also acknowledged that there are “many problems that we have yet to resolve” including “protecting the squeezed middle and vulnerable from increased living costs” and “accelerating action on housing to ensure that people in their twenties and thirties can own their own homes again”.
