Leo Varadkar has announced he will step down as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael.
In an emotional address outside Government Buildings in Dublin, Mr Varadkar told reporters: “I am resigning as president and leader of Fine Gael effective today and will resign as the Taoiseach as soon as my successor is able to take up that office.”.
He is expected to remain in place until his party has elected a successor, which it is hoped will be completed by the party’s ardfheis in early April. The Dáil will then elect the new Fine Gael leader as Taoiseach.
A visibly emotional Mr Varadkar said his decision was both “personal and political”.
“I believe this Government can be re-elected and I believe my party, Fine Gael, can gain seats in the next poll,” he said.
“Most of all I believe the re-election of this three-party government would be the right thing for the future of our country.
“Continuing to take us forward, protecting all that has been achieved and building on it.
“But, after careful consideration and some soul-searching, I believe that a new taoiseach and a new leader will be better placed than me to achieve that, to renew and strengthen the team, to focus our message and policies, to drive implementation.
“And, after seven years in office, I don’t feel I’m the best person for that job anymore.”
Mr Varadkar said it was the right time for him to step down and that there was no “real reason” behind his decision.
“I have nothing else lined up, I have nothing in mind. I have no definite personal or political plans,” he said.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, said Varadkar’s announcement was “unexpected” but added that he expected the government to run its full term.