Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s first openly homosexual Prime Minister, announced his resignation on Wednesday, citing a variety of personal and political circumstances, according to NBC News.
Varadkar, who became Ireland’s youngest ever taoiseach (head of government) in 2017, announced his decision to resign from both of his politically active positions, namely the leadership of Fine Gael, one of the center-right parties that form the ruling coalition government alongside Fianna Fáil, and the Green Party.
Varadkar spoke at a press conference at the tail end of Dublin’s government buildings, emphasizing the progress made toward a more equal Ireland. While there was a lyrical tone obvious in his comments, Varadkar did not commit to a reason for departure.
He left his intentions for the future unclear, saying, “I have no personal or specific political plans.”
When the news was made, it appeared to be a “bolt from the blue” for all Irish people, who defended their long-held convictions and political orientations, a senior Irish official told NBC News on the condition of anonymity.
Whether it was predicted or not, Varadkar’s experience as a licensed doctor appeared to be a factor that kept him from committing to politics for a long time, which eventually took its toll and forced him to resign.
