Alan Kelly has resigned as leader of the Labour Party after TDs and Senators “lost confidence” in his leadership.
In an emotional statement, Mr Kelly fought back tears and said it was a surprise to him that his parliamentary party no longer wanted him to be leader.
However, Labour sources have 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 Mr Kelly to resign less than two years after taking over as leader from Brendan Howlin.
Sources have said there is a “myriad” of issues that have bubbled over the last number of months including Mr Kelly’s “management style” and things “came to a head” at a party meeting last week.
A source also claimed there have been “issues with staff” which also contributed to Mr Kelly’s resignation.
Addressing the media at Leinster House on Wednesday 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 some tough austerity measures.
Mr Kelly was visibly emotional as he delivered his speech with his wife, Regina Kelly, by his side.
He said he will remain as a Labour TD and will continue to represent his Tipperary constituency.
Giving his statement, Mr Kelly was flanked by Labour TDs and Senators and said “every election I’ve ever contested internally or externally I’ve won.”
He said: “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 party leader until a new leader is elected.
Labour party sources have said this will likely be between Labour TD Duncan Smith or newly elected TD, Ivana Bacik.
Party sources believe Ms Bacik is their best opportunity at attracting more voters.
However, Mr Smith is also well-liked among his colleagues.
The news came as a shock to some Government TDs and the Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
Mr Martin was shocked at the news when he was informed by reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.
However it was widely known within Leinster House that there were “struggles” with Labour TDs adapting to Mr Kelly’s leadership.
Mr Kelly 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.”
