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:
https://twitter.com/FintanMusic/status/730052497310679040
https://twitter.com/darabrady8/status/730053291137191936
Others were more measured in their response to the news, arguing that Burton will be appreciated more now that she's gone.
https://twitter.com/socmot/status/730051615059775488
https://twitter.com/damianobroin/status/730053135532597249
Only time will tell.
