Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
FORMER TAOISEACH AND Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar has landed a role with international public relations company Penta Group as a member of its Global Advisory Board.
Varadkar is set to take up his new position on 10 April and Penta Group’s CEO Matt McDonald has said the firm is “thrilled” to welcome him to the team.
Penta Group is headquartered in Washington DC and has offices in other parts of the US, Asia and Europe, including in Dublin.
In January 2023, the company acquired Irish PR firm Hume Brophy, which was set up in 2005 by John Hume, son of the former SDLP leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume, and Dublin businessman Eoin Brophy.
“His deep commitment to evidence-based policymaking and strategic leadership aligns seamlessly with Penta’s mission,” McDonald said.
“His experience at the highest levels of government will enhance our ability to provide data-driven advice and solutions to help our clients navigate today’s increasingly complex global environment.”
Varadkar made the surprise announcement that he would resign as Fine Gael party leader and Taoiseach in March last year.
Penta is excited to announce that former Irish Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar will officially join our stakeholder solutions firm on April 10 as a Global Advisory Board member.
— Penta Group (@pentagrp) March 24, 2025
A two-term Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Mr. Varadkar brings a wealth of global leadership and crisis management… pic.twitter.com/C3PY9wpWhP
The company said in a statement that the former Taoiseach’s “expertise in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, economic development, and progressive social change will be invaluable”.
Penta Group pointed specifically to Varadkar’s work during Brexit negotiations, introduction of social reforms like the same-sex marriage referendum and his government’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In today’s rapidly evolving world, integrating data and evidence into decision-making is more critical than ever,” said Leo Varadkar.
“Penta Group is at the forefront of using research and analytics to make a real impact, and I look forward to contributing to its innovative approach in helping global organisations navigate complexity with confidence.”
Penta Group said that hiring Varadkar “underscores the company’s commitment to world-class advisory services”.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
And how much is that going to cost the tax payer for yet another Government blunder?
@niall:
Our political system has long been drowning in a sea of tribunals, inquiries, commissions, investigations, hearings and probes, all of which stem from gross incompetence and/or corruption. They never amount to anything because new ones keep arriving to swamp the older ones. We tolerate it whilst foolishly trying to eliminate the root cause of it – chronyism – by electing more chronies. We’re just like 5 million hamsters on a big wheel.
The two party FF/FG cartel has to be disempowered if anything’s to change.
Reports, reviews, enquiries are what politicians do to kick the can down the road when they get into trouble, hoping people will have forgotten about the issue when they eventually come out. Lots of political reports, reviews, enquiries in ireland.
Jaysus, Lieo could have to bring Denis and Frances back. Prove them innocent, and big returns.. Who are they kidding..
Its rotten in corruption with a tribunal written all over.FG and DOB have the country destroyed.
All these broadband stories appearing online. Anyone want to send a smoke signal with the update to the rural areas?
What a farce. I wonder have enough politician’s palms been greased to get this over the line. Ireland, sure it’s it a great little island all together.
The “Independent” auditor is the one that is currently employed as the process auditor on the broadband tender for the department/government ?
Procurement and Irish government never works ..brown envelopes are to hard to turn down
If it looks like corruption and smalls like corruption, it is corruption. Shame on you minister.
Another report, yeah I wonder how that will go,Fine Gael and their cronies looking out for their fellow trough dwellers!
Might be a blessing in disguise, fixed broadband is fast becoming obsolete. Even worse if it was monopolised by one player. If the government subsidised 4g transmitters in rural areas i’m sure all the service providers would offer the service much cheaper. Then invest in 5g eventually.
Can someone tell me what he did wrong?
He had dinner with a broadband contractor/supplier which he paid €37 for and he had to leave his job because of it? Is that the jest of it?
Denis Naughton should never have resigned or been made to resign. Instead, the Government should have just gotten on with the task at hand, issued the contract and ensured that the much-needed rural broadband network was built immediately.
Will the report tell us what they had for dinner? Was it a set or tasting menu ? Was there wine pairings to match each course or perhaps a prosecco or a scotch to kick off the evening ? Did they retire to the smoking room for an Xo afterwards ? Oh I can’t wait to see
Can someone tell me what he did wrong?
He had dinner with a broadband contractor/supplier which he paid €37 for and he had to leave his job because of it? Is that the jist of it?
have your say