In a move that has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum, Leo Varadkar has announced that he will be standing down as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael.
"I don't feel I'm the best person for that job any more," the Taoiseach said in an address outside Government Buildings.
The new leader of Fine Gael, Leo Varadkar, after being elected at the Mansion House in Dublin. June, 2017.
Picture: Laura Hutton
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Blair House, Washington DC, during a press conference on the status of coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland. Picture date: Thursday March 12, 2020.
Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Pictured (L to R) is Liam Doran (IMNO Gen. Sec.) and Minister Leo Varadkar at vote 'Yes' for the Marriage Referendum for Health professionals on Tuesday May 5th to call for a Yes vote in the Marriage Equality Referendum at Number 6 Kildare Street, RCPI - Dublin. May, 2015.
Picture: Clodagh Kilcoyne
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar embraces Senator Ivana Bacik on arrival at Dublin Castle for the results of the referendum on the 8th Amendment of the Irish Constitution which prohibits abortions unless a mother's life is in danger. Picture date: Saturday May 26, 2018.
Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Leo Varadkar receives his seal of office from The President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an UachtaráinVideo: Lensmen
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar receives his Seal of Office from President Michael D. Higgins after he had been elected as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland. He is Ireland's first gay leader and youngest Taoiseach. June, 2017.
Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD at the 11th annual Dublin Pride Run in the Phoenix Park. June, 2023.
Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar TD during the launch of the at Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme launch at Project Arts Centre, Dublin. April, 2022.
Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar TD during the launch of Manna Drones Delivery at Millfield Shopping Centre, Balbriggan. August, 2022.
Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos
Fine Gael spokesperson on Enterprise Leo Varadkar TD and Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny TD speaking to media on proposals on Back to Work subsidies at Trinity College on Nassau Street, Dublin. May, 2009.
Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar T.D. during the 10th anniversary of the opening of Luas on Saint Stephen’s Green Luas Stop, Dublin. June, 2014.
Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at a Commissioning Ceremony of 67 new Army Officers, 1 Air Corps Officers and 9 Maltese Officers at 2pm, on Monday 4th February in the Printworks, Dublin Castle. This is the first time in the history of the state that a Commissioning Ceremony has taken place in Dublin Castle. The 77 cadets have successfully completed a 15 month cadetship, preparing them to take up appointments as junior leaders throughout the Army, Air Corps and the Armed Forces of Malta.
Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
Kevin Boxer Moran TD, Andrew Doyle TD, Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment, Richard Bruton, Minister for Health, Simon Harris and Josepha Madigan Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht at the launch of the First Progress Report on the Climate Action Plan 2019 at the Botanic Gardens, Dublin. October, 2019.
Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
IFA president Joe Healy with the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as he arrives at Cork's City Hall. Video: Eoin English
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during a Online Safety – A Priority for Fine Gael at Castleknock Community College, Dublin. January, 2020.
Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pictured with Lisha Hassan from Dublin 1 this morning at Omni Shopping Centre, Santry campaigning with Noel Rock TD. January, 2020.
Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
Michael Martin and Leo Varadkar pictured at the Drogheda public march against violence following the murder and dismemberment of 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods. January, 2020.
Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Parliament Buildings in Belfast, following the restoration of the powersharing executive. February, 2024.
Picture: Government of Ireland/PA Wire
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and US President Joe Biden during the St Patrick's Day Reception and Shamrock Ceremony in the the East Room of the White House, Washington DC, during his visit to the US for St Patrick's Day.
Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Day 32 of greatly reduced restrictions. Cabinet Meetings. Tanaiste and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar taking off a face mask befiore speaking at a press conference as he makes makes an announcement on New Consumer Rights in Government Buildings Dublin. February, 2022.
Picture: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie
Fine Gael Minister for Health Simon Harris with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar arriving at the Alone offices Pleasants Street, Dublin 8, where they will pay tribute to the organisation’s staff and the vital service they provide for older people. March, 2020.
Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
Matthew Barrett with the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the wedding of Conchobhar Ó Laoghaire and Senator Jerry Buttimer at the Triskel Christchurch, Cork. December, 2017.
Picture: Dan Linehan
Leo Varadkar arrives with Helen McEntee at the Mansion House in Dublin where a few minutes later he was declared the next leader of Fine Gael at the Mansion House in Dublin. June, 2017.
Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
New Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar waves to TDs and well wishers at Leinster House after being elected as Taoiseach on June 14, 2017 in Dublin, Ireland. A vote in the Dail confirmed Mr Varadkar as Ireland's youngest Taoiseach at the age of 38 and also its first gay leader. Mr Varadkar replaces Enda Kenny as both Fine Gael leader and outgoing Taoiseach after Mr Kenny stepped down. June, 2017.
Picture: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
Fine Gael Crisis. Nine members of the Fine Gael Front Bench speak to the media outside the Dail after Enda Kenny adjourned a meeting held to discuss his leadership. They are L to R front, Olivia Mitchell, Denis Naughten, Olwyn Enright, back Billy Timmins, Brian Hayes, Simon Coveney, Leo Varadkar, Fergus O'Dowd, Michael Creed. June, 2010.
Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
Leo Varadkar TD and Simon Coveney TD after Leo Varadkar announced he will be the next leader of Fine Gael at the Mansion House in Dublin. June, 2017.
Picture: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie
Surrounded by supporters Leo Varadkar TD arrives at the Mansion House in Dublin where a few minutes later he was declared the next leader of Fine Gael at the Mansion House in Dublin. June, 2017.
Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
A very happy Leo Varadkar laughing as he speaks to the media at the Mansion House in Dublin after he was declared the next leader of Fine Gael at the Mansion House in Dublin. Leo Varadkar will almost certainly become the next Taoiseach and in doing so will make history in becoming the first openly gay leader of Ireland. June, 2017.
Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
Leo Varadkar is elected Taoiseach. Fine Gael Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar is congratulated as he leaves Leinster House in Dublin after he has been elected as Taoiseach(Prime Minister) of Ireland. He is Ireland's first gay leader and youngest Taoiseach. June, 2017.
Picture: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaking to members of the presss in MidletonVideo by Dan Linehan
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaking to members of the press during his visit to the east Cork town of Midleton which suffered massive flooding. October, 2023.
Picture: Dan Linehan
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaking to Catherine Ahern, Asumpta Walsh, Alice and Mia Trihy at the doctor's surgery during his visit to the east Cork town of Midleton which suffered massive flooding. October, 2023.
Picture: Dan Linehan
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar standing in a charity shop with John Dunne and John Welsh during his visit to the east Cork town of Midleton which suffered massive flooding. October, 2023.
Picture: Dan Linehan
(Center) An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD resigns as Taoiseach and Leader Fine Gael on the steps of Government Buildings with his party colleagues , Simon Harris TD, Simon Coveney TD, Helen McEntee TD, Paschal O’Donoghue TD, Heather Humphries TD and Hildegarde Naughton TD. March, 2024.
Picture: Collins Photos
Minister for Children Roderic O Gorman TD Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD Minister for Education Norma Foley TD during a press briefing at Government Buildings , Dublin. March, 2023.
Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar Votes in Referendum. Video: Reuters
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the Energy Summit at Government Buildings Dublin. July, 2023.
Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos
Leader of Fine Gael, An Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar TD and Deputy Leader of Fine Gael, Minister Simon Coveney TD pictured this afternoon at the Trim Castle Hotel for the second day of the Fine Gael Parlimentary Party Think In. September, 2021.
Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin
Dublin Castle. An Tanaiste Leo Varadkar TD with Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD outside The Coach House Dublin Castel this afternoon after they visited The Treaty 1921 Records from the Archives exhibition at Dublin Castle ahead of its opening to the public. December, 2021.
Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
An Tanaiste, Leo Varadkar TD inside Penneys flagship store on Dublin’s Mary Street, Dublin during the announcement that Primark is to announce significant investment in the Irish market with the creation of hundreds of new roles. Primark, the international retailer that operates as Penneys in Ireland, is bolstering its commitment to its home market with an investment into its Penneys store network across the country and a new depot facility to serve the island of Ireland. The company will also announce a significant number of new positions across its retail network and at its global headquarters located in Arthur Ryan House, Dublin 1. November, 2021.
Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar gives Ireland’s national statement at Cop28. Video: PA
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar arriving at Government Buildings today for a cabinet meeting at Government Buildings this afternoon. January, 2022.
Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos
Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform Michael McGrath Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly at the Press Centre at Government Buildings Dublin this afternoon. January, 2022.
Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos
Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD and Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD launch new Fund for Irish Start-ups at Trinity Business School, Pearse St Dublin. February, 2022.
Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photo
Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar pictured this morning at the Arbour Hill Commemoration Ceremony at Arbour Hill Cemetery, Dublin. May, 2022.
Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins Photos
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD and Minister of Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD. pictured at CHQ, Dublin this afternoon during a to visit EPIC Museum to mark the opening of Ireland & The Black Atlantic Exhibit. EPIC launched their latest exhibition, Revolutionary Routes: Ireland & The Black Atlantic which covers stories of abolition, racism, anti-racism and solidarity, featuring 22 countries and 11 Irish locations. The exhibition traces inward migration and multiculturalism within Ireland, in addition to highlighting the diversity of the diaspora. May, 2022.
Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins Photos
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar feeding Bláithín, a Rothschild’s giraffe, during a visit to Fota. Video: Eoin English
(L to R) Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English T.D Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar T.D., Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital & Company Regulation, Dara Calleary T.D. during the Departmental Budget Press Conference as part of Budget 2023 at Government Buildings, Dublin. September, 2022.
Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos
Minister for for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar TD at the official launch of the Three NYE Dublin 2 day festival where the Minister visted the Concert site at College Green, Dublin. December, 2013.
Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos
Fine Gael Director of Elections Leo Varadkar TD during the Launch of a Fine Gael Campaign video for the Children's Referendum at the Science Gallery in Trinity College, Dublin. October, 2012.
Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins
(L to R) RPA Acting Chief Executive, Rory O’Connor KN Networks CEO Donagh Kelly Transport Minister, Leo Varadkar T.D. at the signing of the first contract for Luas Cross City-work to start on Luas link up at St Stephens Green Luas Stop, Dublin. May, 2013.
Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD at the announcement of Salesforce Tower Dublin at the Convention Centre, Dublin its regional hub in Ireland, publishing plans for the construction of Salesforce Tower Dublin. Salesforce Tower Dublin will be an urban campus, located on North Wall Quay within Dublin’s vibrant Silicon Docks, overlooking the River Liffey. January, 2019.
Picture: Gareth Chaney Collins
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar answers a question from Alan Healy, Irish Examiner. Video by Larry Cummins
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment, Richard Bruton, pictured this morning at the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin where An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment, Richard Bruton, and their Ministerial colleagues launched the First Progress Report on the Climate Action Plan 2019.
Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins Photos
President Michael D Higgins, his wife Sabina, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe pictured at the Pro Cathedral, Dublin for the funeral of Gay Byrne this afternoon. November, 2019.
Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar pictured with 11 month Old Youness, and his mother, Iman Didi from Swords canvassing at The Pavillions Shopping Centre, Swords this afternoon with Fine Gael Bye Election Candidate Senator James Reilly. November, 2019.
Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins Photos
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, visited Aras an Uachtarain today, 14th January 2020, requesting in accordance with Article 13 of the Constitution, that President Michael D. Higgins dissolve the 32nd Dáil and summon the new Dail.President Higgins signed the proclamation for dissolution shortly after 2 pm.
Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos
Leo Varadkar has announced his resignation as Fine Gael leader and as Taoiseach. Video Reuters
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