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Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘I have tried to be honest and frank including mistakes and regrets as well as triumphs' – Leo Varadkar set to publish memoir this September
He signed a six-figure book deal with Sandycove, an imprint of the publisher Penguin, last year following a bidding war for the rights to his autobiography that involved nine publishers. The former leader of Fine Gael, who resigned as both taoiseach and party leader in a shock announcement last April, said he has 'tried to be honest and frank' in his account. The book, which is titled Speaking My Mind, will be released on September 11. 'I served in government at one of the most interesting periods in history - the aftermath of the economic crash, Brexit, transformative referendums and the pandemic,' he said, sharing the cover of the book to social media earlier today. "The book is both personal and political and I hope it will give the reader new insights into that time. I have tried to be honest and frank including mistakes and regrets as well as triumphs.' Mr Varadkar was awarded the title of 'Hauser Leader' at Harvard University's Kennedy School's Centre for Public Leadership earlier this year, where he is currently guest lecturing. In a statement released by his publisher when he signed with them last year, Mr Varadkar said: 'I am really enjoying writing my story and I was keen to do so while it was still fresh in my head. It's as much a personal memoir as it is a book about political history. "There is so much people know already about my time at the top but there is almost as much that they don't. I have the freedom now to say things I could not while holding office and I have enough distance to reflect on the mistakes I made as much as what was achieved.' The former Fine Gael leader was elected to the Dáil in Dublin West in 2007 at the age of 28. He contested the party leadership election following the resignation of Enda Kenny in 2017 and was elected taoiseach that year at the age of 38. Mr Varadkar is one of a number of former taoisigh to publish his memoirs, including Brian Cowen and the late Albert Reynolds. In 2008, former taoiseach Bertie Ahern agreed a €400,000-plus publishing deal with Cornerstone Publishing, a subsidiary company of US publishers Random House.
The Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to be ‘honest and frank' in memoir set for release in September
FORMER TAOISEACH LEO Varadkar is set to release a memoir in September titled Speaking My Mind. In a post to social media, Varadkar remarked that the book is 'both personal and political' and that he hopes to 'give new insights' into his time in government. Varadkar was a TD for the Dublin West constituency from 2007 to 2024 and served as Taoiseach from 2017 to 2020, and again from 2022 until his shock resignation last year. He also served as minister across several portfolios. Last March, he announced his intention to step down as Taoiseach and remarked: 'After seven years in office, I am no longer the best person for that job.' Advertisement He added: 'I have nothing else lined up or in mind. No definite personal or political plans, but I am looking forward to having the time to think about them.' And in July, Varadkar then confirmed that he wouldn't stand in the upcoming 2024 general election. He remarked that the 'time has come to explore new options and opportunities' and that he never viewed himself as a 'career politician'. In the time since, Varadkar was named as a guest lecturer on public leadership as part of a new role as 'Hauser Leader' at Harvard University's Kennedy School Centre. He also landed a role with international public relations company Penta Group as a member of its Global Advisory Board and went to South Africa with former special forces soldier Ray Goggins to test his extreme outdoor expedition skills. Speaking on his upcoming book – due for release on 11 September – Varadkar said he has 'tried to be honest and frank, including mistakes and regrets as well as triumphs'. Varadkar added that he served in government 'at one of the most interesting periods in history – the aftermath of the economic crash, Brexit , transformative referendums and the pandemic .' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
