Summary of the day
Ireland’s Leo Varadkar, has announced he is standing down as leader of the Fine Gael party and will also step down from his role as prime minister as soon as a replacement is selected by his party.
The Irish leader’s decision comes after the government’s crushing defeat in a dual referendum.
His departure also comes only 10 weeks before European parliamentary and local elections and less than a year before Ireland’s next general election.
“After seven years in office, I don’t feel I’m the best person for that job anymore,” Varadkar said in an emotional speech.
He also said he would recommend a career in politics, adding however that “politicians are human beings and we have our limitations. We give it everything until we can’t anymore. And then we have to move on.”
Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin, who serves as Ireland’s foreign minister, said following the announcement that he believes governments should finish their full term.
Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Féin, called for a new general election.
Seán Kelly, leader of Fine Gael in the European parliament, said that he is “both surprised and disappointed” that Varadkar decided to step down, adding that “Leo commands huge respect internationally.”
We are now closing this blog but you can read our report on Leo Varadkar’s shock resignation announcement here.
Updated
Seán Kelly, leader of Fine Gael in the European parliament, has said that he is “both surprised and disappointed” that Leo Varadkar has decided to resign.
“Leo commands huge respect internationally for his leader, his intelligence his commitment, and his bravery,” he wrote, adding that “he is an enormous loss to Fine Gael and to Ireland, but he leaves behind a great legacy.”
My statement on the resignation of Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar 👇 pic.twitter.com/O1vTe1yUvl
— Seán Kelly MEP (@SeanKellyMEP) March 20, 2024
