Leo Varadkar has announced that he will step down as Taoiseach and as leader of Fine Gael.
The Taoiseach shared on Wednesday morning that he would be making a major statement.
The Cabinet has been meeting in Government Buildings in advance of the announcement.
At noon, Leo stated: “I have the privilege to serve for the past 20 years…seven years as the leader of my party and most of those as Taoiseach. It has been an honour.
“I am proud we have made the country a more equal and modern place.
“I am resigning as leader as Fine Gael today and as Taoiseach whenever my successor is chosen.”
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He explained that he has put in a deadline of his successor for April 16th following the Dáil’s Easter break. This also means that Taoiseach will have two months before the local and European election and a year before the general election.
“After careful consideration and soul searching a new leader and Taoiseach will be better in place than me. After seven years in office I don’t think I am the best person for that than me. I am standing aside in absolute confidence that the country is in a good place.”
He went on to say that he was “deeply grateful” for the time he spent in office.
“Politicians are human beings, we give it everything we can until we can’t anymore.”
He will also remain on as TD for Dublin West, saying that he has nothing else lined up.
Government parties say that they do not expect today’s announcement to trigger a general election. There is due to be general and European elections in June.
Leo Varadkar was first elected in 2007 and has previously said he would not stay in politics beyond the age of 50.
He became Ireland’s youngest Taoiseach in 2017 at the age of 38.
