Is Ireland Ready For A Prematurely Balding Taoiseach?

WWN’S correspondent for traditional Irish values Ann Trope tackles a pressing issues in the Fine Gael leadership contest and asks the tough questions.

AS THE Fine Gael leadership appears to be a battle between two men; Minister for Housing Simon Coveney and Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar the same question gnaws at the public, with many even reluctant to draw attention to the very clear difference between the candidates.

However, there is never a better time to be frank and up front, this is the next Taosieach we’re talking about and there’s no mincing our words. There is an elephant in the room and the public is concerned. The conversation needs to be had; is Ireland ready for a prematurely balding Taoiseach?

When compared to Leo Varadkar’s strong mane of hair, you can’t blame certain people from finding reassurance in the fact his head has 100% coverage. He is like most of us; he requires the normal amount of shampoo, the man uses normal hair gel, has a normal barber with whom he probably has awfully awkward and forced conversations. Can we truly say the same of Simon Coveney? We take comfort in the norm and our previous traditions.

Look, there’s nothing wrong with being prematurely bald, some of my friends are going bald and I’ve a cousin who’s the same, but Jesus, don’t mention it in front of my aunt. And for those suggesting Leo’s receding a bit on top, come off it, it’s not the same and you know it.

And sure, people will say ‘not so fast we’ve had one before’ but Jack Lynch doesn’t count, he’d lost his hair completely upon taking office and at an appropriate age, he never tried to suggest any different or disguise it. Coveney is still hanging on to the last follicle flourish his scalp is affording him. But do you really want Coveney to turn up to official state engagements with that hairstyle when shaking hands with Donald Trump, Angela Merkel and Theresa May, I think we know the answer.

We’ve come a long way in Ireland, but there is no escaping the fact the question must be asked; is Ireland ready for a non-traditionally-haired man as Taoiseach?

I’m not suggesting I have the definitive answer, and that’s not the point, I’m just here to stir shit. It is clear many people, mostly rural voters, no doubt will say that if a man’s own hair can’t stand to be on his head, can he be trusted?