Leo Varadkar says he’s laying off chicken wings to lose weight before Christmas – and he’s thinking about getting a cat
TANAISTE Leo Varadkar has revealed his favourite grub is chicken wings – but he’s laying off them ahead of the festive season.
And he admitted he’s contemplating getting a cat with partner Matt Barrett.
The Fine Gael leader told how he’d need a pet which would look after itself in a frank chat with Late Late Toy Show star Paudie O’Callaghan.
The Limerick youngster, 11, recorded a special episode of his Paudcast as part of Down Syndrome Ireland’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
And Varadkar revealed that while he doesn’t have a pet yet, it’s on his mind.
The Tanaiste, who is in a long-term relationship with cardiologist Matthew Barrett, told Paudie in a clip exclusively revealed to the Irish Sun: “I don’t know. We’re thinking of getting a cat. It’ll have to be a pet that could look after itself as I’m not home much.”
The Business Minister divulged that his favourite grub is chicken wings – but he’s laying off them ahead of the festive season.
He said: “I love food, I do eat too much food. My default option would be chicken wings. I’m trying to avoid them now because I want to lose a bit of weight coming into Christmas.”
When asked about the 21 Demands, a discrete and specific list of demands of Government, wider stakeholders and society for people with disabilities, Leo said: “I think they’re good, I think they’re reasonable. I don’t think they’re things we can do overnight .It can be hard to find staff but I agree with them.”
And he said that while he was a doctor, he was more “respected”, but being Tanaiste is a “great job”.
He said: “They’re both great jobs and it’s been a privilege to do both of them. One big difference is as a doctor you’re a little bit more respected by people.
“They tend to trust you and believe what you’re saying is true but when you’re the same person wearing a different hat as a politician, people are much more sceptical which is kind of sad but that’s the way it is.”
CHANGING THE WORLD
Leo revealed he got into politics because he had ambitions to “change the world” but hasn’t “done that”. ‘
He added: “I think if I see something I don’t like or if I see something I think is wrong I want to try and change it.”
Seasoned reporter Paudie also got Taoiseach Micheal Martin to open up about his love for football and the one time he met soccer legend Roy Keane.
The Fianna Fail leader said: “I love soccer. I met Roy Keane once and he told me of all the players he’s ever watched that Ronaldo was the genius. Incredible player.”
On the 21 Demands, Martin added: “I think the 21 demands are fair and very reasonable. They’re realistic. I think we can get them done and that’s important.”
Speaking about the experience, Paudie said: “It was fantastic meeting An Taoiseach and An Tánaiste! I visited Government Buildings and we sat and chatted in their offices.
“They both gave me lots of time and I felt very important. I got to see things that most people never get to see and I asked them what they thought it was like to be me, someone with Down syndrome.
“After we finished the interview with An Tánaiste my Dad and I went back to the Hard Rock Café hotel to get ready for my appearance on the Late Late Toy Show.”
Down Syndrome Ireland mark their 50th anniversary with the launch of the UpSide campaign that highlights the value of inclusion for people with Down syndrome in Ireland.
Paudie stared the podcast as his father Brian felt it would boost his confidence and could improve his communication skills while schools were shut during lockdown.
CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland Barry Sheridan said: “The Paudcast is a superb example of how people with Down syndrome can be so much more involved and integrated in today’s society.
“It demonstrates the possible, and we have been delighted that Padraig chose to work with us on this project as we raise the issues that affect everyone with Down syndrome.
FOR more of Paudie’s Paudcast, visit paudcast.ie and to access a full copy of The Upside – Life with Down syndrome Report, learn more about Down syndrome or to find out how you can help, go to theupside.ie. You can donate towards the cause at www.downsyndrome.ie.
See original article here https://www.thesun.ie/news/8004420/leo-varadkar-chicken-wings-lose-weight-cat-boyfriend/
