Mr. Varadkar gave a tearful speech this afternoon outside Dublin’s Government Buildings, citing “both personal and political” factors in his departure.
“After seven years in office, I don’t feel I’m the best person for the job anymore,” stated Varadkar.
“There are loyal colleagues and good friends contesting local and European elections, and I want to give them the best chance possible.”
“Personal enjoyment has been derived from being Taoiseach,” he continued. Politicians, however, are fallible human beings with limitations. We give it everything we have until it becomes too much. After that, we must proceed.”
The 45-year-old Mr. Varadkar has led the Fine Gael party since 2017 and held the position of Taoiseach, or prime minister of Ireland, twice.
After serving as the nation’s leader for the first time from 2017 to 2020, he was appointed deputy prime minister (Tanaiste) in 2020 and held that position until December 2022.
