New Irish government will fear Brexit fallout

Significance

Ireland’s new leader succeeded Enda Kenny (2011-17) in June. Aged 38, openly gay and the son of an Indian immigrant, his election represents a generational change both for the ruling party and the executive.

Impacts

• Government ambiguities over a Northern Ireland border plan could be exposed by the opposition, notably Sinn Fein.
• A proposed ban on public sector strikes by 'essential' workers could worsen relations between unions and government.
• A promise by Varadkar to reimburse households for controversial water charges by year-end may prove over-ambitious.