Ireland’s PM Leo Varadkar Announces Unexpected Resignation

Dublin: Irish PM Leo Varadkar on Wednesday announced his resignation as Ireland’s prime minister and leader of the ruling Fine Gael party. Citing both personal and political reasons, Varadkar stated that he would step down immediately as Fine Gael president and leader, and would resign as Taoiseach once his successor is ready to assume office.

The departure of Varadkar, who made history as Ireland’s first openly gay prime minister in 2017, does not automatically trigger a general election. Instead, he proposed the selection of a new party leader by April 6, allowing for the election of a new prime minister after the parliamentary Easter break. The next election is slated for early 2025.

Despite the emotional tone of his announcement, Varadkar emphasized that his decision was timely and lacked any concrete motive. He clarified that he currently has no specific personal or political plans following his resignation.

Varadkar returned to office in 2022 under a rotation agreement between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, forming a coalition with the smaller Green Party.

Potential successors to Varadkar as Fine Gael leader include notable figures such as Higher Education Minister Simon Harris, former Health Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, a former deputy prime minister. Other contenders include Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe and Justice Minister Helen McEntee.