Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in November. 2023.
Victor Rochon | Ganmalafo | Getty Images
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced on Wednesday that he would resign as soon as his Fine Gael party named a new leader.
“When I became Party Leader and Taoiseach in June 2017, I knew that part of leadership is knowing when it's time to pass the baton to someone and have the courage to do it. The time is now,'' Mr Varadkar told reporters outside Government House in Dublin.
“Therefore, I am stepping down as chairman and leader of Fine Gael with effect from today and will step down as leader as soon as my successor is able to take up the position.”
Mr Varadkar said the reasons for his resignation were “personal and political” and said the new leader would be better able to protect the party and the current centrist coalition, which includes Fianna Fáil and the Greens, in upcoming local elections. He suggested that he was qualified to lead. European elections in June.
Fine Gael has suffered heavy defeats in a series of recent elections, with 11 of the party's MPs, known as Teachta Dala (TD), saying they will not stand again in the next election. Mr Varadkar said he did not feel he was the best person to lead the party.
“I have loyal colleagues and good friends in the local and European elections, and I want to give them the best chance possible. I think they have an even greater chance under the new leadership,” he said. ” he said.
Mr Varadkar will remain representing the west Dublin constituency, but said he had “nothing else planned” and “no clear personal or political plans”.