Leo Varadkar news LIVE updates as Taoiseach resigns and steps down as Fine Gael leader

He made the bombshell announcement outside Government buildings at around 12.15pm. Mr Varadkar is to step down as leader of Fine Gael effectively immediately and will leave his post as Taoiseach as soon as a replacement is found.met on Wednesday for the first time since the landslide referendum defeat and the announcement was flagged with Ministers, many who have been away for St Patrick's Day duties.

"To solve the housing crisis, to end child poverty, and to reduce hospital waiting lists, we need visionary leadership focused on the needs of the people. Fine Gael's tenure has seen these challenges persist and worsen. It's time for a new approach, one driven by compassion, innovation, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of all citizens.

A phone call then took place immediately after the announcement, during which the Taoiseach and President had a "substantive" conversation. Mr Higgins thanked Mr Varadkar for his service and for the "comprehensive" meetings that they had under Article 28 of the constitution.

"The Green Party looks forward to the the conclusion of the Fine Gael leadership contest and the election of a new Taoiseach by Dáil Éireann. In the interim, the important work of Government continues and the three coalition parties will continue to fulfil our mandate, just as we have done over the last three and a half years.

"Overall, his economic management of the country has helped ensure Ireland’s success as one of the most productive and competitive economies in the world. “During two periods of difficulty for devolution, the Taoiseach worked hard to support the restoration of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. Beyond warm words of encouragement, he has committed measurable resource to critical projects in the North that will bring communities closer together.

Working with colleagues, I have had the honour of helping to lead Ireland from unemployment to full employment, from budget deficit to budget surplus, from austerity to prosperity, through a pandemic in which we saved lives and livelihoods, and through Brexit when we prevented a hard border between North and South and protected our place in Europe.

I am happy that during my time as Taoiseach, we were able to honour my commitment to double spending on the arts, culture and sport. I am proud that we, the Irish people, welcomed over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees to our shores when they needed our protection, notwithstanding the challenges this brings.

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