THE NO. 1 BESTSELLER

Shortlisted for Biography of The Year, Irish Book Awards 2025. ‘Refreshingly honest’ - Guardian. ‘Whatever your views on Varadkar and his political legacy, you'll be captivated by these stories.’ - Sunday Independent. ‘There is gossip, revealing text exchanges, and entertaining tidbits … the reader gains a good understanding of the pressures of serving as taoiseach.’ - Diarmaid Ferriter, Irish Times.

Leo Varadkar shares his fascinating experience as Irish prime minister during a time of significant change and turbulence, in this remarkably honest memoir. Leo Varadkar was an unlikely Taoiseach – the youngest when taking office in 2017, the first openly gay Taoiseach, and the first person of colour to hold the position.

Equally unexpected was his decision to step away from politics in his mid-forties. Now, free from the constraints of office, he tells his captivating story with characteristic courage and honesty, offering a unique insight into the formation and evolution of a senior politician.

In Speaking My Mind, Leo Varadkar shares his pride in helping to bring about transformative changes, such as marriage equality. He describes experiences that only a prime minister could have – speaking frankly with Pope Francis about the legacy of church abuses, connecting with Barack Obama about both being the ‘tall, dark guy with the funny name,’ navigating challenges like the pandemic and the fallout from Brexit. And he writes openly about the personal costs that come with the immense privilege of holding high office.

Speaking My Mind is a revealing, intimate, and significant memoir from a distinctive public figure.

‘A great read ... fascinating insights’ - Brendan O’Connor, RTÉ Radio 1. ‘Candid … engagingly honest’ - Financial Times. ‘An lively and easy read that can aid future analyses of a rapidly changing Ireland’ - Irish Independent. ‘Breezy, readable’ - The Times. ‘Brings to life some behind-the-scenes moments from a transformative period in Irish and global politics’ - Sunday Independent.

Pages: 432, Dimensions: 16.1x16.1cm