The Taoiseach has given his backing for Senator Martin Conway to run for Fine Gael in the next General Election in Clare.
While saying the decision is for the national executive, the party leader has praised the Ennistymon representative, raising the possibility that he will enter the General Election race here.
On his first visit to Clare as Taoiseach, Mr Varadkar also addressed health, Shannon Airport and other local issues during an exclusive interview with Clare FM’s Morning Focus.
In his only media interview during his first official visit to Clare, Leo Varadkar confirmed an increase in bed capacity at University Hospital Limerick will be funded.
However, the money for the new 96-bed unit will be contingent on unspecified improvements at Dooradoyle.
During the same interview, in what may be significant news in Clare, the Taoiseach also hinted at potential changes to the National Planning Framework.
This amid concerns from some quarters that the document overlooked the Mid West.
He also said he’s “very confident” that the contract for the National Broadband Scheme will be signed this year – that has already been delayed by over six months.
On Shannon Airport, Mr Varadkar believes there has been a slower pace of growth there than had been hoped since it separated from the Dublin Airport Authority in 2012.
He was Transport Minister at the time this occurred, and said that ambitious targets which had been set out had to be met.
That hasn’t happened, but he’s still confident independence was the best decision for Shannon.
Meanwhile, Mr. Varadkar also says his party’s Clare Senator could be chosen to run for a Dáil seat in the next election.
Senator Martin Conway says he wants to run, and Leo Varadkar thinks he could do a good job.
