Leo Varadkar to step down as Taoiseach and quits as Fine Gael party leader

Irish premier Leo Varadkar is to step down as Taoiseach and is resigning as leader of the Fine Gael party.

In an emotional announcement outside Government Buildings in Dublin, Mr Varadkar said his tenure as Ireland’s head of government had been “the most fulfilling time” of his life but said he no longer felt he was the best person for the job.

Flanked by party ministerial colleagues, he said his resignation as Fine Gael leader was effective from Wednesday and he will step down as Taoiseach when a successor is selected.

The announcement comes after a turbulent number of weeks for the Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Green Party three party coalition government.

Earlier this month, it was resoundingly beaten in two referendums on changes ministers had proposed to the Irish constitution.