Varadkar given Linfield jersey as he aims to ‘reach out to all communities’

Leo Varadkar has been given a 2023/24 Linfield FC jersey during his visit to Windsor Park in Belfast, as he aims to “reach out to all communities”.

The Taoiseach visited the stadium on Wednesday after his meetings with Stormont party leaders in relation to the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The DUP has been boycotting Stormont for more than a year as a protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Mr Varadkar said it was positive to see Linfield FC training players from Northern Ireland and the Republic.

“Really pleased to have the chance to visit Belfast again today, been to the city many times but I’ve never been to Windsor Park, so, great to have a chance to visit. I think I’m the first taoiseach to do so,” he said.

“And also a good opportunity to be with Linfield and meet their academy, really good to see that they’re training young players from all parts of Northern Ireland and indeed some from Drogheda and from the Republic of Ireland as well, so very positive to see that happening here.”

Referring to comments he had previously made in relation to Brexit negotiations, Mr Varadkar clarified that there was a difference between threatening violence and highlighting the risk of violence.

The Fine Gael leader has said he was reflecting comments made by the PSNI Chief Constable and Garda Commissioner in security briefings when he said there was a “risk” of violence in Northern Ireland during conversations with European leaders about Brexit negotiations.

The comments were criticised by unionist politicians.

When asked if his visit to Windsor Park in Belfast was an effort to improve relations with the loyalist community following those comments, Mr Varadkar said: “There’s a big difference, as I said