Ministers rule out early election as focus shifts to race to succeed Varadkar
Irish government ministers have rejected calls for an early election following Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s shock resignation as focus shifts to the race to succeed him.
In an emotional address outside Government Buildings in Dublin on Wednesday, Mr Varadkar announced he would step down as premier when a successor is confirmed.
He also quit as leader of the Fine Gael party with immediate effect but made clear he does not intend to stand down as a TD for Dublin West in the Dail parliament.
Mr Varadkar said his tenure as Ireland’s leader had been “the most fulfilling time” of his life but said he no longer felt he was the best person for the job.
The announcement came after a turbulent number of weeks for the Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Green Party three party coalition.
Earlier this month, it was resoundingly beaten in two referendums on changes ministers had proposed
