Irish PM Leo Varadkar Announces Shock Resignation
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published March 20, 2024 | 11:45 PM
Leo Varadkar on Wednesday announced that he was stepping down as Ireland's prime minister and leader of the Fine Gael party in the governing coalition, citing "personal and political" reasons
Dublin, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Mar, 2024) Leo Varadkar on Wednesday announced that he was stepping down as Ireland's prime minister and leader of the Fine Gael party in the governing coalition, citing "personal and political" reasons.
Pundits called the surprise move, just 10 weeks before Ireland holds European Parliament and local elections, a "political earthquake". A general election also has to be held within a year.
Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin, leader of Fianna Fail, the main coalition partner, said Varadkar's announcement was "unexpected" but added that he expected the government to run its full term.
An emotional Varadkar, who is in his second stint as prime minister and at 45 remains one of Europe's youngest leaders, said he felt he was no longer the "best person" to lead the country.
"Politicians are human beings. We have our limitations," he said in a statement on the steps of Government Buildings in Dublin, surrounded by his Fine Gael cabinet colleagues.
"We give it everything until we can't anymore and then we have to move on."
Despite recent poor showings at the ballot box, Varadkar insisted that he believed the government could be re-elected.
But he added: "I believe a new taoiseach (prime minister) will be better placed than me to achieve that -- to renew and strengthen the top team, to refocus our message and policies, and to drive implementation."
"After seven years in office, I am no longer the best person for that job," he said.
"My reasons for stepping down now are personal and political, but mainly political," he said, without elaborating.
Earlier this month, Varadkar was widely blamed for a twin defeat, including the biggest-ever referendum loss by a government, on proposals to reform references to women, the family and care in the Irish constitution.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 30 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 30 April 2024
Wembanyama in France: NBA Spurs to play Pacers in Paris in January
Russian missile kills two in Ukraine's Odesa: governor
Dutch Embassy celebrates King Willem-Alexander's birthday
Need of concrete steps stressed for safe, nutritious milk availability
Scotland's leader Yousaf quits after a year
Services of GDA Pakistan China Friendship Hospital launched
Mining giants Vale, BHP propose $25 bn settlement over Brazil dam collapse
Georgia ruling party stages mass rally to counter protests
Bayern ready for 'extraordinary' Bellingham, says Tuchel
PTI leaders get interim bail
More Stories From World
-
US, Mexico withdraw joint bid for 2027 Women's World Cup: official
2 minutes ago -
Dying salmon trouble Norway's vast fish-farm industry
2 minutes ago -
Lewandowski treble fires Barca to Valencia win
12 minutes ago -
Terzic repays Dortmund faith before PSG semi-final clash
12 minutes ago -
Nuggets oust Lakers, LeBron in thriller as Thunder seal sweep
12 minutes ago -
Gunman kills six in attack on Afghan mosque: govt spokesman
22 minutes ago
-
At least 25 dead in Peru after bus plunges into ravine
42 minutes ago -
New post-Brexit controls: a thorn for UK horticulture
42 minutes ago -
Microsoft CEO pledges $1.7 bn AI, cloud investment in Indonesia
42 minutes ago -
Children's shoes highlight Gaza's Khan Younis city exodus chaos: UN
1 hour ago -
At least 25 dead in Peru after bus plunges into ravine
1 hour ago -
Amazon Purr-rime: Cat accidentally shipped to online retailer
1 hour ago