Alan Kelly resigned last night as Labour Party leader after losing the confidence of TDs and senators.
Fighting back tears, he said it was a surprise his parliamentary team rejected him.
However, Labour sources said tensions have been rumbling for some time within the party over Mr Kelly’s “handling of situations”.
Questions also remain over the turning point which forced him to step down less than two years after taking over as leader from Brendan Howlin.
Sources said there is a “myriad” of issues that have bubbled over the last number of months including “management style” and matters “came to a head” at a party meeting last week.
Addressing the media at Leinster House last night, he said: “I was advised by my parliamentary colleagues on Tuesday morning that they had lost collective confidence in my leadership.
“This was a surprise to me but I accept their decision.
“We had a number of frank discussions in recent weeks and especially in the last few days.
“I acknowledge we have not been able to move in the polls.
“We as a party didn’t get the bounce I would have hoped for over the last two years, and the pandemic restricted my ability to bring forward the progress I had hoped for.
“It is also a reality that it has been hard for those of us most associated with our time in government from 2011 to 2016 to move on from that.”
Mr Kelly was a minister in the Fine Gael-Labour coalition between 2011-2016, which oversaw the introduction of tough austerity measures.
He was visibly emotional as he delivered his speech with his wife Regina by his side.
The outgoing leader said he will remain as a Labour TD and will continue to represent his Tipperary constituency.
Mr Kelly was flanked by Labour TDs and Senators and said “every election I’ve ever contested internally or externally I’ve won”.
But he added: “While I’m saddened at this decision, I must respect it, and
I thank my colleagues who have come here this evening in solidarity and friendship.
“I’ve no interest in a rancorous or divisive debate within the party and I won’t be engaging in one.”
Mr Kelly said he will remain as acting leader until his successor is elected. Party sources have said this will likely
be between TDs Duncan Smith or Ivana Bacik. Insiders believe she is their best opportunity at attracting more voters.
However, Mr Smith is also well-liked among his colleagues.
The resignation came as a shock to Government TDs and Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
However, it was widely known within Leinster House there were “struggles” with Labour TDs adapting to Mr Kelly’s leadership.
He added: “I’ve made my share of mistakes and I haven’t always made the right decisions.
“But I’ve always done my best and I’ve worked around the clock to represent the party.
“Above all else I’ve been truthful to who I am as a person. That’ll never change.
“Most of all I want to thank my family, my wife Regina, my two fantastic children Aoibhe and Senan, my parents Nan and Tom, my brother Declan and his family, my extended family and friends.”
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