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‘Deeply proud’ Leo Varadkar resigns as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader

Agreement has been reached with Fianna Fáil and the Greens to avoid the need for a general election

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been the leader of Fine Gael since 2017. Picture: Fergal Phillips

Leo Varadkar has announced he is to step down as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael.

In an emotional statement, Varadkar said after some “soul searching” his decision to step down was both “personal and professional” and would give a new leader and Taoiseach time to prepare for the local and European elections in June and a general election within 12 months.

“I know this will come as a surprise to many people and a ...