Joan Burton confirmed at 4.00pm on Tuesday evening that she would step down as Labour leader as soon as her replacement has been elected.
Burton, who is a TD for the Dublin West constituency and former Tánaiste, had been leader of the Labour party since 2014. She also served as Minister for Social Protection for her five years in government.
Burton also expressed that she has no intention to be directly involved in the contest to replace her.
Some commentators on the Twittersphere expressed delight that Burton has stepped down:
Joan Burton is stepping down!! How Ireland feels hearing this news! #Labour #JoanBurton pic.twitter.com/9TYDfKKIf6
— Fintan Marron (@FintanMusic) May 10, 2016
Joan Burton steps down. We're all shrilled.
— Dara Brady (@darabrady8) May 10, 2016
Others were more measured in their response to the news, arguing that Burton will be appreciated more now that she’s gone.
People will see Joan Burton's achievements once Fine Gael & Leo Varadkar get stuck into public expenditure with no Labour restraining them.
— socmot (@socmot) May 10, 2016
Joan Burton has proud history of honourable public service behind her, hopefully many more yrs of it ahead. She can hold her head high today
— Damian O'Broin (@damianobroin) May 10, 2016
Only time will tell.