The announcement was released just after 4.30pm.
There was mixed reactions on Twitter to the news that Enda Kenny had stepped down as leader of Fine Gael. The news came at Fine Gael’s parliamentary party meeting where it was speculated that Kenny would talk about his future as leader.
Kenny will continue as Taoiseach in an acting capacity until his successor is named.
In a statement, he thanked his family, friends, staff, Fine Gael colleagues both past and present and also his “loyal constituents and supporters in Mayo” who have supported him since 1975.
Well-wishers were out in force to support Enda Kenny as they bid him farewell.
Sending best wishes to @EndaKennyTD. I enjoyed working with him in the British/Irish Council & he has always been a good friend to Scotland. https://t.co/8VtmHcCLS8
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 17, 2017
Fair play to Enda Kenny. Personal opinion is that he did a very reasonable job during a difficult time.
— Shanners.eth (@SHANAbert) May 17, 2017
A whole generation of @FineGael & @yfg members don't know the party without him as leader. Go raibh maith agat @EndaKennyTD
— Una Clarke (@UnaClarke) May 17, 2017
Enda Kenny has to go and Donald Trump gets to stay. Politics is a strange sport.
— Antoin O Lachtnain (@antoin) May 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/antomkelly/status/864873532135788544
For every person that was sad to see him go, there was another one in line, ready to rejoice.
https://twitter.com/Revolution_IRL/status/864872229913407488
https://twitter.com/wastingcolours/status/864872191422234624
https://twitter.com/MichaelHealyUgh/status/864874239047892994
And then, of course, there were a few who couldn’t miss the opportunity to post up a corresponding meme for the day that was in it.
Bye Enda.#EndaKenny pic.twitter.com/qBF9HsgJEU
— Frank Byrne (@FJOByrne) May 17, 2017
Right Wenger. You're next!
They said he'd never go. #OnYourBike #EndaStory #EndaKenny pic.twitter.com/s74BTG4uCA
— Eamon Lowe (@EamonLowe) May 17, 2017
A short summary of #EndaKenny resignation announcement… pic.twitter.com/4axjVPR740
— Stephen Hanlon (@Hanlon_Stephen) May 17, 2017
— Steve Mac – 🇵🇸 🇺🇦 🇮🇪 (@StevenOMcCarthy) May 17, 2017
https://twitter.com/deasy_rascal/status/864874364243718145
The full story of Enda Kenny’s resignation can be found here.
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