Leo Varadkar’s rural vs urban comments - is he right?

Leo Varadkar’s rural vs urban comments - is he right?

Author: Newstalk April 20, 2026 Duration: 20:25

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar spoke to Matt Cooper on the ‘Path to Power’ podcast recently, and this is what he had to say about the relationship between urban and rural areas:

"We’re the ones paying all the bills — you’re the ones in receipt of a lot of subsidies and a lot of tax benefits that other people don’t get.”

Can you understand just why they’ve caused such controversy? Is there a rural versus urban divide in Ireland?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Eddie Punch former General Secretary of ICSA and now Columnist for the Farming Independent, Jacqueline Hogge, Rural Affairs Investigative Reporter with the Farmers Journal, Independent Economist Jim Power and more.


Hosted by Andrea Gilligan, Lunchtime Live is where the day's most pressing conversations find a home. This isn't just a broadcast; it's Ireland's daily gathering point, a space where listeners become active participants. Each episode revolves around the topics shaping life across the country, from social shifts and cultural debates to current affairs and community stories. Andrea guides these discussions with a genuine curiosity, creating an open forum where diverse perspectives are not just heard but engaged with. You'll hear from callers sharing their own experiences and opinions, making every show a direct reflection of the national mood. Tuning into this podcast feels like pulling up a chair to a lively, thoughtful, and often surprising national conversation. It captures the pulse of Irish society in real time, offering analysis, entertainment, and a sense of shared dialogue. For anyone interested in what Ireland is talking about right now, Lunchtime Live delivers that essential, unfiltered connection. Find it as part of Newstalk's offering, where independent talk radio thrives.
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