Leo Varadkar hits back after ‘lonely, childless man’ comment

Leo Varadkar has hit back after being called a ‘lonely, childless man in his late 40s’ online.

The former Taoiseach had taken to social media to share that nearly 700,000 people have been auto-enrolled into the new ‘My Future Fund’ pension system.

Varadkar stated that another 100,000 will be added to the system throughout the year and offered explanations for what the reform means.

He wrote: ‘Millions will have a more financially secure retirement. Tens of thousands of families will have a financial cushion if a loved one dies before reaching pension age. Billions of euro that would have been spent on consumption will now be invested in businesses, innovation and state bonds.

‘Every country that’s done this, from Australia to Singapore, is better off for it. Thank you to everyone who worked for the last ten years to bring this project to fruition.’

However, Mr Varadkar then hit back at one comment after being branded a ‘lonely, childless man’.

The comment said: ‘Lonely, childless man in his late 40’s thinks society cares about his opinions.’

The next morning, Varadkar hit back with: ‘Contest the by-elections. Find out exactly how many care about yours.’

Varadkar’s reply on X received over double the amount of likes as the commenter’s remark.

A by-election will have to take place in Dublin Central in the next few months due to Paschal Donohoe’s resignation in November.

Meanwhile, the New Year brought the new pension auto-enrollment scheme with it, in a big change to employment law.

All employees between 23 and 60, who are not already in an occupational pension scheme and earn over €20,000 across all of their employments, have been enrolled in the system.

The system will be gradually phased in over the next 10 years. Both employer and employee contributions start at 1.5% and increase every three years by 1.5% until they eventually reach 6% by the decade’s end.

The State will also top up contributions by €1 for every €3 saved by the employee.

It comes as Mr Varadkar had a great start to the new year with his long-term partner, Matt Barrett, as the pair spent some time in South Africa.

Taking to social media, Mr Varadkar shared snippets of how he spent the first few days of 2026.

He wrote: ‘Sorry to be leaving Cape Town (and the Western Cape) after such a wonderful trip.

‘It’s definitely on my top ten places to visit. I know the world by its administrative and business capitals.’

He added: ‘So much more out there to see. But will be back here for sure.’