Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has announced his resignation as leader of the Fine Gael party and will step down as Taoiseach once his successor is chosen.
Varadkar, who became the youngest PM of Ireland at the age of 38 in 2017, cited both personal and political reasons for his decision, stating that he believes he’s no longer the best person for the job.
His tenure as leader saw significant achievements, including leading Ireland to full employment and spearheading progressive social reforms.
In his announcement, Varadkar highlighted his government’s accomplishments, stating, “I have led Ireland from unemployment to full employment, from budget deficit to budget surplus, from austerity to prosperity.”
He also emphasized advancements in areas such as LGBTQ+ rights, women’s equality, and childcare affordability.
Varadkar’s leadership was marked by landmark referendums legalizing same-sex marriage and abortion, reflecting his commitment to social progress.
The decision for Varadkar’s resignation comes amidst a coalition government led by Fine Gael, along with Fianna Fáil and the Green Party.
Despite Varadkar’s departure, the government parties do not anticipate triggering a general election.
His resignation follows a political agreement that saw him swap roles with Micheál Martin, who currently serves as Taoiseach.
Martin expressed surprise at Varadkar’s decision but reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the coalition government’s full term.
Opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald of Sinn Féin called for a general election, criticizing the idea of Fine Gael politicians selecting the next Taoiseach.
She argued for fresh leadership and a change in government direction, pointing out issues like declining homeownership rates during Fine Gael’s tenure.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished Varadkar well, emphasizing the importance of UK-Ireland relations.
As Varadkar prepares to depart, speculation arises regarding his successor.
Minister Simon Coveney, deputy leader of Fine Gael, has ruled himself out of the leadership contest.
The process to select a new leader is expected to take around 18 to 19 days, with several names being mentioned as potential candidates, including Simon Harris, Helen McEntee, Paschal Donohoe, and Heather Humphreys.
Varadkar’s resignation marks the end of an era in Irish politics, leaving behind a legacy of economic growth and social change.
As the nation prepares for a new leadership, the focus shifts to the upcoming leadership contest within Fine Gael and the continued stability of the coalition government.
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