Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has announced his resignation from the leadership of the country’s ruling party and as prime minister. Varadkar, who has served as prime minister since 2017, disclosed his decision during an emergency press conference, stating his intention to continue working until a new prime minister is elected.
According to Reuters, Varadkar said that he had urged Fine Gael, the ruling party, to select a new leader at its upcoming annual conference on April 6. He emphasized that once the new party leader is elected, they would then stand for the position of prime minister in Parliament, with voting scheduled to take place after the Easter holidays.
Varadkar’s tenure as prime minister marked several milestones, including being the first openly gay prime minister of Ireland. Despite his achievements, Varadkar expressed confidence that his successor would be better equipped to lead the coalition government to reelection.
As speculation mounts over potential candidates for the prime ministership, 37-year-old Education Minister Simon Harris emerges as a prominent contender. Harris, who previously served as Health Minister during the Covid-19 pandemic, is viewed as a strong candidate, alongside former Deputy Prime Minister Simon Conway, Paschal Donohoe, and Justice Minister Helen McEntee.
Varadkar’s administration faced criticism over its handling of the housing crisis and political correctness, particularly as the main opposition party, Sinn Féin, gains traction among the public. While Varadkar’s government successfully navigated the country through economic challenges posed by Covid-19, it struggled to address the long-standing housing crisis, further exacerbated by an influx of refugees and migrants from Ukraine.
As Ireland prepares for a transition in leadership, the focus remains on addressing pressing issues and ensuring continuity in governance amidst ongoing challenges.
