Jaipur, Jan 18 (NationPress) Former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar delivered thought-provoking reflections on Brexit, global leadership, and his personal political path during an engagement at the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) on Sunday.

During his remarks on the Brexit negotiations, Varadkar noted his collaborations with three different British Prime Ministers, emphasizing the frequent leadership shifts in the UK during that time. He remarked, “Rishi Sunak aims to foster business, yet lacks initiative,” while describing negotiations with Boris Johnson as particularly arduous. “Bargaining with Boris Johnson is extremely challenging,” he stated.

Discussing the political landscape, Varadkar pointed out that while journalists pursue news, in politics, “news perpetually leaks.”

He recounted a troubling period when he faced questioning from the police for almost a week. “It shook my confidence,” he confessed, explaining that the incident was a result of him disclosing information he should have kept private.

On Ireland’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic, Varadkar affirmed that the nation successfully maintained a low death toll through prompt policy decisions and an efficient vaccination program. Nonetheless, he described the pre-pandemic medical briefings as profoundly distressing.

“Doctors sometimes face harrowing decisions regarding who enters the ICU, with recovery potentially taking weeks. Those scenarios were terrifying,” he expressed.

Varadkar also commented on global institutions, noting that US President Donald Trump displayed little interest in the United Nations, while both Russia and China also deprioritize it.

“The UN requires reform, but global leaders show little interest,” he observed.

On historical and geopolitical matters, Varadkar shared that Ireland’s experience under British rule offers him an understanding of Palestinian sentiments. “When Britain attempted to conquer Ireland, it used religion to justify its claims. That history provides context,” he conveyed, adding that the US struggles to grasp the Palestinian issue due to its close relationship with Israel.

While comparing political accessibility, Varadkar noted that engaging with leaders in India is significantly more challenging than in Ireland, primarily due to stringent security measures. “In Ireland, leaders are much more accessible,” he pointed out.

Earlier, while discussing his book 'Speaking My Mind', Varadkar humorously remarked on meeting Trump, stating, “Meeting Trump is akin to meeting a monarch,” adding with a smile that at least there’s no need to kneel or bow.

He expressed concern that Trump no longer adheres to the checks and balances he once did during his initial term, cautioning against rhetoric surrounding territorial expansion, including suggestions relating to Greenland. He asserted that no one’s home should be taken away simply for real estate ventures.

Regarding India, Varadkar remarked, “It’s a pleasure to be here,” commending the nation’s advancements over the past twenty years. He expressed confidence that India will rise as one of the world’s leading nations, commending its dedication to the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, which he believed aligns closely with European values.