The joys of being Taoiseach.
On one hand, your position comes with lots of perks – like, say, meeting your favourite pop star when they’re in town.
On the other hand, if anyone finds out about it? You will be ripped to shreds.
Leo Varadkar is the subject of a heated debate on Twitter today, after a fan-letter he wrote to Kylie Minogue on official headed paper was leaked.
The letter reads:
‘Dear Kylie, Just wanted to drop you a short note in advance of the concert in Dublin. I am really looking forward to it. Am a huge fan! I understand you are staying in the Merrion Hotel which is just across the street from my office in Government Buildings. If you like, I’d love to welcome you to Ireland personally.’
Posting a photo of the letter in the Mail on Sunday to Twitter, comedian Oliver Callan tweeted:
The Taoiseach wrote a begging letter for a meet-and-greet with Kylie on official headed paper. In the middle of Brexit, housing crisis etc. The Taoiseach! A nation’s toes will never uncurl…
The Taoiseach wrote a begging letter for a meet-and-greet with Kylie on official headed paper. In the middle of Brexit, housing crisis etc. The Taoiseach! 🤦🏻♂️ A nation’s toes will never uncurl… pic.twitter.com/ezbp9RozFT
— Oliver Callan (@olivercallan) March 31, 2019
The reaction on Twitter was divided. Many echoed Callan’s sentiment while others couldn’t see the big deal.
Ok I dont get the outrage here?
Yes its a lil cringe but what on earth has it to do with Brexit, housing etc?
Is he supposed to postpone all social occasions, hobbies and interests until Brexit and housing crises are solved?He wrote a fan letter to Kylie. Big deal.
— A M Ní Bhraonáin (@ambergal47) March 31, 2019
So how did it all turn out? Kylie reportedly called Varadkar to send her apologies when her show was cancelled due to illness, but he did meet her at the rescheduled concert in December – which was not without its controversy.
Varadkar took to social media after the event to hit back at claims he got a free meal.
He wrote at the time:
I’ve been made aware of a post on social media saying I had a free meal at a concert the other night. This is not true. There was no meal, we only had drinks and I paid. I have the receipt to prove it too.
I've been made aware of a post on social media saying I had a free meal at a concert the other night. This is not true. There was no meal, we only had drinks and I paid. I have the receipt to prove it too.
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) December 4, 2018
Mr Varadkar, his partner Matthew Barrett and a number of their friends were pictured backstage at the 3 arena with Minogue with the caption ‘Six gay teenagers meet the girl from Neighbours.’