Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Wednesday announced that he will step down as soon as his Fine Gael party names a new leader.
An emotional Varadkar told reporters in Dublin, "I announce my resignation from the presidency and leadership of Fine Gael, and I will submit my resignation as prime minister when my successor is able to assume this position."
Fine Gael has suffered a series of resounding electoral defeats of late, while 11 of the party’s members of parliament — known as Teachta Dála (TD) — have announced they will not run again in the next election. Varadkar said he no longer felt he was the best person to lead the party.
“There are loyal colleagues and good friends contesting the local and European elections, and I want to give them the best chance possible, and I think they have a better chance under a new leader,” he said.
Follow the latest news on Google News
