Leo Varadkar: I am no Longer Fit to be Irish PM

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar is set to step down as party leader immediately and will resign as Taoiseach once his Fine Gael successor is chosen. Varadkar expressed that leading his country has been the most fulfilling time of his life. 

He became Ireland's youngest PM in 2017 upon assuming leadership of Fine Gael and currently heads the coalition government in Dublin alongside Fianna Fáil and the Green Party. Speaking from the steps of government buildings in Dublin, Varadkar highlighted achievements such as reducing unemployment, achieving budget surplus, and promoting equality for various groups, including children, the LGBT community, and women. He stated that he no longer feels he is the best person for the job.

During his time as taoiseach, Mr Varadkar championed referendums to change the Irish constitution legalising same-sex marriage and abortion.

Mr Varadkar also listed work to improve the affordability of childcare among his achievements as well as increasing government spending on arts and culture, international development, and public infrastructure.

He also conceded that "there are areas where we have been much less successful" but added: "I hope you'll forgive me if I leave it to others to point them out on a day like this."

Why did Leo Varadkar Resign?

Mr Varadkar noted that his reasons for stepping down were "both personal and political".

He said that he felt the current government "could be re-elected" but he felt he was "not the best person for the job anymore".

When is the Next General Election in Ireland?

The coalition government parties have indicated that Wednesday's announcement is not expected to prompt a general election. In the 2020 election, Mr. Varadkar led his party to secure the third-highest number of seats in Dáil Éireann, the lower house of parliament.

Per the coalition agreement, Varadkar and Micheál Martin were to alternate as Taoiseach every two years. Martin assumed the role in 2020, with Varadkar serving as Tánaiste, and they swapped positions in 2022. 

Following Varadkar's resignation announcement, Martin expressed surprise at the decision.

"I want to take the opportunity to thank him sincerely, we got on very well," Mr Martin added.

Eamon Ryan, leader of the Green Party, the smallest of the three coalition partners, said Mr Varadkar had been "an energetic and committed leader of the country who was always supportive of his government colleagues".

Mr Ryan said his party looked forward to the Fine Gael leadership contest and the election of a new taoiseach.

In the interim, he said, the government would continue to fulfil its mandate.

Turn out of road

Speaking in the Dáil, (lower house of Irish parliament) Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, who is leader of the Opposition, called for a general election.

She said it was "unthinkable" for the next taoiseach to be chosen by a "conclave" of Fine Gael politicians.

"This is a time for fresh leadership. Not just a change of taoiseach, but a change of government, and a change of direction," she said.

Ms McDonald claimed that when Fine Gael took power in 2011 Ireland had one of the highest levels of home ownership in Europe, but it had since declined to one of the worst.

The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, wished Leo Varadkar well following his resignation.

A spokesperson said the PM would "work closely with him and his successor".

"Ireland is a vital partner of the UK," the spokesperson added.