The Irish Prime Minister, known as the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has relinquished his position and his leadership of the political party, Fine Gael, for a combination of personal and political reasons. This unexpected decision left his Coalition partners in shock. Varadkar expressed that even though there isn’t an opportune moment to leave a influential position, the completion of the 2024 Budget and the absence of ongoing negotiations for the next one made this an appropriate moment.
At times visibly distressed, and supported by his Cabinet colleagues from Fine Gael, Mr Varadkar confirmed he would quit his Prime Ministerial role once a replacement was ready to take over. To ensure swift transition, he instructed the party’s general secretary and executive council to arrange the election of a new leader before the party conference on the 6th of April, allowing a new Taoiseach to be elected once the Parliament reassembles after the Easter break.
High profile members of the party seen as potential leadership competitors include Simon Harris, Simon Coveney, Helen McEntee, and Heather Humphreys. Mr Varadkar, who entered parliament in 2007, was appointed as the minister for transport by the then Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, in 2011, before becoming the minister for health in 2014. He surpassed Simon Coveney to become the leader of Fine Gael in 2017, which made him the youngest person to become the Taoiseach.
During his resignation speech made outside government offices on Wednesday, he stated that, “When I assumed the roles of party leader and Taoiseach in June 2017, I was aware part of the responsibility is understanding when to hand over the reins to someone else in courage and wisdom. That moment has come now.”
He also expressed his thoughts on the timing of his departure, that his successor will have a full two months to gear up for local and European elections, and possibly a year before the next general elections. He voiced optimism about the recurrent election of Fine Gael government and his faith that his party could gain more Parliamentary seats in the next election. Ultimately, he asserted that this would be the in the interest of the country’s future, preserving attained achievements and further enhancing them.
“After prudent contemplation and deep introspection, I have concluded that a fresh premier would be in a superior position, compared to myself, to drive the necessary improvement – to invigorate and solidify the leadership, to sharpen our communication and strategies, and to expedite their execution. After serving seven years, I am not the most apt individual for this responsibility,” expressed a choked up Mr Varadkar.
There are “faithful comrades and cherished friends who are contesting in the local and European elections,” he noted, and his aim is “to provide them with the optimal opportunity for success. Their prospects, I believe, will fare better under fresh leadership”.
He emphasised that his decision to resign comes “with utter assurance that the nation and its economy are in promising circumstances, and that my government associates from the Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the Greens, along with the Oireachtas, will persist with their devoted efforts for the country’s welfare”.
Reflecting on his career thus far, Mr Varadkar acknowledged that it was “a privilege serving as a public servant for two decades, 13 years in the Cabinet, seven as my party’s head, and a majority of that period as the Premier of this magnificent country. It has been a deeply enriching journey in my life.”
“In collaboration with my colleagues, I have had the rewarding experience of steering Ireland from a state of unemployment to full employment, transitioning from a budget deficit to a surplus, moving from austerity to prosperity, weathering a pandemic in which we secured lives and employment, and navigating Brexit where we forestalled a rigid border between Ireland’s northern and southern regions, preserving our European footing,” he stated. On a personal note, he cherished his role, having “gained incredible insights, encountered individuals that would have otherwise been impossible, visited places that were erstwhile unexplored, both domestically and overseas. I am profoundly grateful for the experiences and would enthusiastically endorse a political vocation for any aspirant.”
Shedding light on the personal factors influencing his choice, Mr Varadkar acknowledged that “politicians are human too” and highlighted their limitations. “We devote ourselves completely until we can no longer maintain the effort, and then it becomes crucial to take the next step. However, I will continue to execute my duties as the Premier until a successor assumes the role, and I will retain my position as a constituent TD for Dublin West,” he concluded.
The announcement by the Taoiseach of his resignation has sparked much surprise and speculation. He, however, insists that his decision is grounded on personal reasons and does not relate to any specific alternative employment or political plans. He expressed gratitude towards his coalition associates as well as to the Irish public.
Following the announcement of resignation, Tánaiste Micheál Martin expressed shock and surprise. After discussing with Mr Varadkar post their routine party leaders meetings held on Tuesday evening, he became aware of the Taoiseach’s intentions. He believes that while the situation is unique and unaccustomed in many aspects, mid-term elections of Taoisigh have happened before during different Dáileanna. This, according to Mr Martin, proves a clear mandate and a distinct government programme.
Green Party leader, Eamon Ryan responded in a statement, emphasising how the initial agreement, at the onset of this Government, was between the three coalition parties and not the leaders. The compact continues to hold weight, especially with the significant duties that await the Government. According to him, the Green Party is eager to witness the culmination of this leadership competition within Fine Gael, and the ushering in of a new Taoiseach by the Dáil Éireann. Meanwhile, the important tasks of the Government continue, and the mandate will be fulfilled by all three coalition parties, just as they have done these past three-and-a-half years.
Mr Ryan, whilst extending his best wishes to Mr Varadkar as he prepares to leave his position as Taoiseach, recognised Mr Varadkar’s significant input into Irish politics and praised him for his meritorious service to the nation.