The ‘major announcement’ was flagged just an hour in advance.
Leo Varadkar announced at midday, on Wednesday March 20th, that he was stepping down as Taoiseach and leader of the Fine Gael party.
After seven years as Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar is relinquishing his position and also stepping aside so his party can elect a new leader and, in turn, Taoiseach. That new leader is set to be in place when the Dáil returns from its’ Easter break in mid April.
Varadkar became emotional, and choked up, when he addressed the ‘personal reasons’ and highlights of his time in office. He believes he is standing down with Ireland ‘a more equal and a more modern place’. Among his list of achievements, he included prevented a hard border for Northern Ireland after the Brexit vote, saving “countless lives” with measures enacted during the Covid-19 pandemic and taking in more that 100,000 Ukrainian refugees after Russia instigated a war with their country.
On ‘the real reasons’ for stepping down, An Taoiseach commented:
“My reasons for stepping down are both personal and political… I believe the re-election of this three party government will be the right thing for the future of our country. After careful consideration and some soul searching, I believe a new Taoiseach will be better placed than me to achieve that.
“After seven years in office, I don’t feel I’m the best person for that job anymore. I am standing aside in the absolute confidence that the country and economy are in a good place.”
On the personal reasons, he stated, “Politicians are human beings and we all have our limitations. We give our all until we can give no more, and then we move on… I have nothing else lined up. I have nothing in mind but I am really looking forward to having the time to think of it…
“I know, inevitably, there will be speculation as to the ‘real reason’ for my decision. These are the real reasons. That’s it. I have nothing else lined up or in mind. No definite personal or political plans, but I am looking forward to having the time to think about them.”
Leo Varadkar to remain on as Dublin West TD
Leo Varadkar added that it is his fervent belief a new leader of Fine Gael would ‘be better placed’ to contest the next set of elections. He added that Ireland would fare better if it stuck with the current three-party government of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party.
“I know this will come as a surprise to many people, and a disappointment for some, but I hope you will understand my decision,” Leo Varadkar added. “There is never a right time to resign high office, however this is as good a time as any.”
“Budget 2024 is done, negotiations have not yet begun on the next one… The new Taoiseach will have a full two months to prepare for the local and European elections, and upto a year for the next general election.”
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