Irish Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar has announced his resignation as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and leader of Fine Gael, a center-right party which is part of Ireland’s coalition government.
Varadkar, 45, has had two spells as Taoiseach; between 2017 and 2020, and again since December 2022 as part of a job-share with Micheál Martin, head of coalition partner Fianna Fáil.
He was the country’s youngest-ever leader when first elected, as well as Ireland’s first openly gay Prime Minister.
Varadkar, whose mother is Irish and father is Indian, was also Ireland’s first biracial Taoiseach.
At a press conference, surrounded by some of his political allies, Varadkar said, “One part of leadership is knowing when the time has come to pass on the baton to somebody else, and then having the courage to do it.”
“That time is now. So I am resigning as President and leader of Fine Gael effective today and will resign as Taoiseach as soon as my successor is able to take up that office,” he said.
In his statement, Varadkar admitted, “there’s never a right time to resign high office. However, this is as good a time as any.”
He noted that the new Taoiseach will have a full two months to prepare for local and European elections, and up to a year before the next general election.
Varadkar asserted that his reasons for stepping down are both personal and political.
“I believe this government can be reelected, and I believe my party Fine Gael can gain seats in the next Dáil,” he voiced.
He also emphasized his belief that reelection of the current three-party government will be the right thing for the country’s future, “continuing to take us forward, protecting all that’s been achieved and building on it.”
“But after careful consideration and some soul searching, I believe that a new Taoiseach and a new leader will be better placed than me to achieve that – to renew and strengthen the team, to focus our message on policies, to drive implementation.
“And after seven years in office, I don’t feel I’m the best person for that job anymore.”
Leo Varadkar
He stated that there are “loyal colleagues and good friends” contesting local and European elections and he wants to give them the best chance possible.
“And I think they have a better chance under a new leader,” he opined.
Additionally, Varadkar made mention of his experience as Taoiseach, saying, “I’ve learned so much about so many things, met so many people who I’d never have got to meet, been to places I would never have seen both home and abroad.”
“And I am deeply grateful for it – and despite the challenges, would wholeheartedly recommend a career in politics to anyone who’s considering it,” he added.
However, he said, “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.”
Varadkar also said he has nothing lined up and no definite plans but he is “really looking forward to having the time to think about them.”
Call For Elections
Reacting to the news, Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Féin, called for a new general election in Ireland.
“The next Taoiseach should be chosen by the people, not by the Fine Gael parliamentary party,” she posted on X.
She added, “There needs to be a General Election. It’s time for change!”
Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin, who serves as Ireland’s Foreign Minister, said following Leo Varadkar’s announcement that he believes governments should finish their full term.
“That creates stability, it avoids short-term decision making and it gives a better policy focus than a short-term electoral run,” he said.
He expressed, “That is why I’ve been absolutely steadfast and consistent on this since the beginning of this government that it should go full term and that remains my position.”
The leader of the centre-right European People’s party, Manfred Weber, thanked Leo Varadkar “for the enormous contribution that you have made to Fine Gael, to Irish and European politics.”
READ ALSO: Gaza Death Toll Rises To 31,923
