On Wednesday, Leo Varadkar, the Taoiseach, stunned the nation by declaring his immediate resignation as leader of Fine Gael and planned departure as Government head in early April. This stirred an immediate call for a prompt general election from Opposition parties.
However, both Deputy Prime Minister Tánaiste, leader of Fianna Fáil Micheál Martin, and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan affirmed that the three-party Coalition would stay in power. They promised to back the upcoming Fine Gael leader as Taoiseach. Calls for an expected general election were unanimous amid Opposition leaders following Mr Varadkar’s statement.
Both Martin and Ryan desire commitment from the eventual Fine Gael leader to see the Government’s term through till next spring. However, it was collectively agreed by senior government sources on Wednesday evening to steer clear of any hasty election. Speculation has suggested that Varadkar’s exit may result in the cancellation of the much-speculated autumn election later in the year.
The Coalition has the potential to rein for another year, marked by the latest probable election day on March 22nd, 2025, yet some sources point to early March, around the annual St Patrick’s Day events, as a likely date.
In the following weeks, Fine Gael will be selecting a new head, prompting Mr Varadkar’s resignation as Taoiseach once the Dáil returns from the Easter break starting Thursday. The Dáil, with the approval of the three party heads, will subsequently elect the new Fine Gael leader as Taoiseach, with a vote also confirming the rest of the Government.
Varadkar’s counterparts and allies within the Coalition honoured him following his revelation. Mr Martin expressed well wishes to Mr Varadkar personally and professionally going forward, emphasizing his dedication to the three-party Coalition, the execution of their mandate and the implementation of the Government’s agenda.
Mr. Ryan conveyed his best wishes to Leo who is soon to vacate the office of the Taoiseach. He commended Leo’s significant contributions to the political landscape of Ireland. The timing of Leo Varadkar’s resignation instigated queries, analogous to those by Mr Martin, emphasizing that the original agreement between the tripartite coalition should persist irrespective of the change in leadership in Fine Gael.
Ryan highlighted that the initial pact was between the three coalition parties rather than the leaders themselves, which he insists must remain in force, particularly considering the significant challenges facing the government.
In a critical juncture for Irish politics, as alluded by Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, Varadkar’s announcement is thought to precipitate a call for a general election. McDonald asserted that the selection process for the new Taoiseach should be by public election.
She argued for a fresh government. Similarly, Labour head Ivana Bacik insisted that the incumbent government could not feasibly continue. Echoing these sentiments, Aontú TD Peadar Tóibín mentioned that the Taoiseach’s role was not being handled appropriately and called for improved governance. People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns also called for a national election.
Varadkar’s decision on Tuesday evening came as a surprise to many around Leinster House and Government Buildings, despite having communicated with some senior Fine Gael associates and Coalition leaders. Announcing his decision from the premises of the Government Buildings on Wednesday, an emotional Varadkar cited personal and political, primarily political, motives for his resignation.
“I’m convinced that this administration has the potential to be voted back into power. I foresee my party, Fine Gael, acquiring more seats in the upcoming Dáil. Primarily, I’m of the belief that it would be in the best interest of our nation’s future, helping us continue on an upward trajectory while consolidating and expanding on our accomplishments.
“Following deliberate thought and introspection, I’m of the view that a fresh Taoiseach will be more capable than myself in achieving this – revitalising and fortifying the leadership, refocusing our strategies and mandates, and facilitating their execution. Having served seven years in the office, I’ve come to realise that I’m not the optimal individual for this role.”