Video of Leo Varadkar enjoying sun in Phoenix Park causes controversy

It has been confirmed the video was taken on Sunday and keyboard warriors have slammed it as being irresponsible

Footage of the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar enjoying the sun in Phoenix Park has Twitter users divided over whether or not he’s flouting the Covid-19 restrictions.

The footage shows Mr Varadkar meeting friends with his partner Matthew Barrett in the popular Dublin park.

It has been confirmed the video was taken on Sunday and keyboard warriors have slammed it as being irresponsible, Dublin Live reports.

One Twitter user said: “Absolutely bizarre - @LeoVaradkar in a public park today breaching basic social distancing rules. Imagine if this was Boris or Trump! Havin’ the craic with no top on, in the midst of a pandemic?!”

Another person said:“He’s telling all of us to stay at home!!! My mother hasn’t hugged my son in nine weeks but he can play with his buddies????”

A third person said: “If this pandemic was as serious as Leo was making it out to be he wouldn't be topless, and laughing in the Phoenix park. It's a total joke.”

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach told the Irish Independent: "The Taoiseach was in the Phoenix Park with his partner Matt and two friends on Sunday Afternoon, in line with public health guidance.”

“He was within 5km of the Stewards Lodge, where he is staying during the Covid Emergency."

Other users have claimed that Mr Varadkar should be entitled to enjoy his day off and has not broken any rules.

One person said: “Group of four in an outdoor setting? - Permitted.  Not social distancing with someone you live with? - Permitted. 

“I'm no Leo Varadkar apologist, but you have not clearly stated what went on and why it was flouting the rules.”

A second person said: “Seriously the curtain twitchers in this country are unreal.

“The Irish leader today was out in the sunshine with his husband who he lives with and was social distancing from everybody else, we are allowed to meet up with people from another house. Leo Varadkar did nothing wrong.”

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A third person said: “He’s not doing anything wrong in the video, let him at least live a private life and un-retweet that vid... plenty of actual concerns to put to him and hold him accountable for.”

Another user claimed that people were “trying to hard to make this an Irish Dominic Cummings situation”.

According to phase one of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, up to four people who don’t live together can meet outdoors keeping at least two metres apart.

Additionally you can travel up within a 5km radius of your home for non-essential travel.

The Irish Independent reports Mr Varadkar and Dr Barrett have been staying at the Steward's Lodge on the Farmleigh Estate grounds during the pandemic so they were well within the 5km radius of their home during their visit to Phoenix Park.

Some users have also alleged that Mr Varakdar and Mr Barrett, who live together, were not two metres apart from their friends.

The Department of Taoiseach have been contacted for a comment.