Leo Varadkar steps down as Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach for ‘personal and political’ reasons

Leo Varadkar announced his resignation as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael on the steps of Government Buildings. Photograph: Collins Photos

“I have asked our party general secretary and executive council to provide for the new leader to be elected in advance of the ardfheis on Saturday, 6th April, thus allowing a new taoiseach to be elected when the Dáil resumes after the Easter.

“After careful consideration and some soul-searching, I believe a new taoiseach will be better-placed than me to achieve that – to renew and strengthen the top team, to refocus our message and policies, and to drive implementation. After seven years in office, I am no longer the best person for that job.”

Speaking about his career to date, Mr Varadkar said he was privileged “to serve for the past 20 years as a public representative, 13 as a member of Cabinet, seven as leader of my party, and most of those as Taoiseach of this great country. It’s been the most fulfilling time of my life”. Giving an insight into some of the potential personal reasons behind his decision, he said that “politicians are human beings”.

Mr Martin said the development is “new and it is unprecedented in many ways” but that it has happened before where taoisigh have been elected midstream in different Dáileanna. In his view, Mr Martin said, they have a clear mandate and a clear programme for Government.

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