Leo Varadkar steps down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader

LEO Varadkar has this afternoon announced his resignation as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael.

Speaking from the steps of Leinster House, he said that being Taoiseach was the “most fulfilling time” of his life, and that he was proud Ireland was a “more equal and more modern place”.

Mr Varadkar’s surprise announcement came following a morning of intense speculation, sparked by Cabinet meetings in Government buildings.

In an emotional address, he said that politicians are human beings who can only give so much before they have to “move on”.

“When I became party leader and Taoiseach back in June 2017, I knew that one part of leadership is knowing when the time has come to pass the baton on to somebody else and then having the courage to do it”, he said.

“That time is now so I am resigning as President and leader of Fine Gael effective today and will resign as Taoiseach as soon as my successor is able to take up that office.”

Leo Varadkar announcing his resignation on the steps of Leinster House (Image/RTE News)

Describing his reasons for stepping down as “both personal and political”, Mr Varadkar said that he believes this Government can be re-elected and that Fine Gael can gain seats in the next Dail.

“Most of all, I believe the re-election of this three-party Government will be the right thing for the future of our country, continuing to take us forward, protecting all that’s being achieved and building on it”, he said. 

“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 am the best person for that job anymore.”

He said that he will continue to fulfil his duties as Taoiseach until a new leader of Fine Gael is chosen.

He will also stay on as a TD for his constituency of Dublin West.

Mr Varadkar stressed that he has no definite personal or political plans and has “nothing else lined up or in mind”.

However, he said he is looking forward to having the time to think about them.

It is expected that today’s announcement will not trigger a General Election, with a new Fine Gael leader to be elected in advance of the Ard Fheis on Saturday, April 6 – which means a new Taoiseach could be elected after the Easter break. 

This will give a new Taoiseach two full months to prepare for the Local and Europeans elections and up to a year before the next General Election, Mr Varadkar said. 

However, since the announcement this afternoon, opposition parties have been calling for a General Election. 

Keep up-to-date with live coverage throughout the day at RTE News.