To be dead frickin proud of our “PM”

[CilantroChili]

Leo Varadkar the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of the Republic of Ireland has re-registered as a medical doctor and is going to join the ranks of the HSE (healthcare system) to care for Covid patients.

He will do 1 shift per with as well as well... leading the country through this shit-storm.

I’m quite surprised, and pleased for many reasons - but THIS is leadership - wow!!

@Donkeytail
Mlou32 no less!! G’way out of that MaryLou

For a moment, I thought some fecking eejit was referring to BoJo...

That's what I thought too. Thought someone had had too much gin.

Good on him. Goes to show that politicians need to have a proper career/profession before jumping into paid shirking.

Now does anyone know what BoJo could do to make himself useful for once?

For a moment I thought you meant BJ and was going to ask what drugs are you on... but then I read the thread always a useful thing to do, read before commenting). This is awesome. Huge respect to the Taoiseach!

I caught half of a radio programme the other day in which a medical consultant (not respiratory) volunteered to retrain as an ICU nurse. His speciality isn’t really needed while this is going on, his surgeries have all been cancelled but he didn’t want to stand idly by while his colleagues struggled.

There are an awful lot of very special people out there.

"I do not think this is the best use of his time"

Everyone is entitled to time off. He might use this to be a part of the NHS assessment phone service, now that he has to set an example of staying in.

He isn't under any infection risk, so it is commendable.

Rosena Allin-Khan draws a salary as both an MP and a doctor - she's a national disgrace!!!

'I think him working in a hospital would not be good both because he hasn’t practised for at least 7 years'
Honestly it's like riding a bike , once you get in the setting it all floods back to you. It's like an instrinct almost. He's amazing .

That IS impressive.
Meanwhile the CMO in Scotland sneaks off to her holiday cottage, again and again and again... should be dismissed for that!

Better than Boris bragging about shaking the hands of CV-19 patients and fibbing about buying tests! Good for him!

Christ I thought someone was on the crack pipe and going on about Bojo, couldn’t imagine his Greek poetry degree would help anyone 🤣🤣

Imagine boris doing that... shock

I’d rather not, seeing as Boris is not a doctor.

I know it’s not going to stop but I wish people would stop referring to Boris Johnson as “Boris”. It’s at the heart of of his faux likeable “cheeky chap” brand which is far from harmless - it’s why he does stupid shit like shaking hands with people in hospitals and spreading about the virus during a pandemic because he thinks his cartoonish image appeals to the electorate and will protect him from shit real life consequences. Oh but that’s just “Boris” hur hur. If you think he’s a decent poltician/leader fine vote for him but he’s not your mate FGS! Giving powerful politicians familiar nicknames is creepy as hell. Anyway, I hear that the world’s most powerful man, Xi Dada (or “Uncle Xi” aka Xi Jinping) is enjoying a revival in his popularity right now.

I think Leo Varadkar is an immensely likeable and able politician. But his government has not invested in public services as it should have and therefore he carries a huge portion of the responsibility for how the health system copes throughout this crisis. You certainly do not need to be a supporter of Sinn Fein to say that. Had there been more investment it would mean a heck of a lot more right now than him re-registering - great as that is.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - I want to claim Leo (and the two Simons and Tony) for the Nordy North!

2 very close friends of mine went to school and uni with Leo and both speak so highly of him as a doctor and as a person. Apparently he was an excellent student and a brilliant doctor when he practiced. They lost touch I think around the time their second child was born as life got in the way, but they were still friends and regular contacts with each other until I guess around 2011ish.

His father, Ashok Varadkar was my GP and I really liked him, very calm and professional. He was tremendously proud of his family and talked about Leo and his studies as well as political career.
Well done, Taoiseach.

Well done Leo.

I caught half of a radio programme the other day in which a medical consultant (not respiratory) volunteered to retrain as an ICU nurse. His speciality isn’t really needed while this is going on, his surgeries have all been cancelled but he didn’t want to stand idly by while his colleagues struggled.

I heard that too, he was really impressive. He said he was blown away by how hard ITU nurses work.

Thanks OP, I hadn't seen this in the papers.
I am not an unadulterated fan of Leo, but there is no such thing as a perfect leader.

In terms of how they're handled the current crisis, I feel very grateful that we have leaders who are working from scientific evidence and humanitarianism. Not being led primarily by economic considerations.

"Our society must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or be deserted by them, for the test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members "

Boris is in hospital although not working.

I opened this ready to be incredulous, thinking it was referring to Boris

I would be proud of my PM if it was Leo Varadkar

I am not Irish but I thought his party lost the recent election and Leo Varadkar was ''caretaking'' at the moment as Prime Minister (or whatever you have in Ireland) - is that incorrect?

Absolutely awesome leadership

I would be very proud of him if he was my PM

Yes he is essentially a caretaker at the moment until the new government is formed.
And yes they are doing a good job far better than others.

Apparently, Leo’s going to take calls with symptom checking on the GP rota.

If you come down with c19 symptoms you might talk to Leo.

Agree Simon, Tony, and Leo all playing a blinder. So refreshing to see actual facts at the press briefings and not political broadcasts, or media madness.

Just to clarify any confusion you might have @Yesterdayforgotten, we’re not talking about BJ, but Ireland’s Taoiseach, Dr Leo Varadkar, who has re-registered as a medical doctor, so he can lend a hand for a shift a week.