'After seven years in office, I don't feel I'm the best person for the job anymore'

Leo Varadkar has stepped down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader.

In an emotional statement delivered on the steps of Government Buildings, the Taoiseach said politicians are human who "give it their all until they can't anymore."

"And after seven years in office, I don't feel I'm the best person for that job anymore. There are loyal colleagues and good friends contesting local European elections. And I want to give them the best chance possible. And I think that the better chance under a new leader. "

There had been intense speculation about the Taoiseach's future building from this morning, but Varadkar's decision is still being seen as a bolt from the blue.

Government parties say that they do not expect today's announcement to trigger a general election. He will remain on as Taoiseach until FG elect a party leader and successor after the Easter break.

This will give the new Taoiseach two months to prepare for the Local and European elections in the Summer and up to a year for the General Elections.

Meath East TD and Justice Minister Helen McEntee may be among those putting their names forward for the top job.

READ HIS STATEMENT IN FULL HERE...

"I've had the privilege to serve for the past 20 years as a public representative, 13 as a member of cabinet, seven as leader of my party, and most of those as taoiseach of this great country.

"It has been the most fulfilling time of my life. Working with colleagues I've had the honor of helping to lead Ireland from unemployment to full employment, from a budget deficit to budget surplus from austerity to prosperity, through a pandemic in which we saved lives and livelihoods. Through Brexit when we prevented a hard border between North and South, and protected our place in Europe.

"I'm proud that we've made the country a more equal and more modern place when it comes to the rights of children, the LGBT community equality for women and their bodily autonomy.

"More recently, we've read lead the country through an inflation cost of living crisis, the worst of which is now thankfully behind us. We've made significant steps towards affordable childcare and universal health care making access to both more affordable for more people. We've made work pay better with the implementation of a national living wage, statutory sick pay, lower personal taxes, improved family leave, allowing parents to spend more time with their children in those crucial early years.

"I'm happy that during my time as taoiseach, we were able to honor my commitments to double spending on the arts, culture and sports. This was making a real difference now, and will continue to do so into the future, fostering and assisting the artists and the sports men and women of the future.

"We provided leadership by increasing our spending on international development. We've expanded our diplomatic footprint around the world building on Ireland's already considerable soft power. The National Broadband Plan is underway, bringing fibre based internet connections to every home, school, business and farm community in Ireland, which the critic said shouldn't be done.

We've established the technological universities in the Rural Development Fund. As of 2011. We've quadrupled overall annual investment of public infrastructure. That's meant considerably more investment in priorities like housing, healthcare facilities, school buildings and climate action.

"And I am deeply proud that we as Irish people, welcomed over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees to our shores when they needed our protection.

"Notwithstanding the challenges to springs. In my time as Taoiseach we reduce consistent poverty and income inequality. Housing construction has more than doubled, with 500 people becoming homeowners each week for the first time. The highest number in almost two decades.

"Of course, there are areas in which we have been much less successful, and someone which we have sadly gone backwards, but I hope you'll forgive me if I leave it to others to point them out on a day like this. They will receive plenty of airtime and column space.

When I became party leader and Taoiseach back in June 2017, I knew that one part of leadership is knowing when the time has come to pass on the baton to somebody else, and then having the courage to do it. That time is now so I am resigning as president and leader of Fine Gael effective today and will resign as Taoiseach as soon as my successor is able to take up that office.

"I've asked the party general secretary and executive council to provide for the new leader to be elected in advance of Saturday April 16th, thus allowing a new taoiseach shirt to be elected when the Dail resumes after the Easter break.

"I know this will come as a surprise to many people and a disappointment to some and I hope at least you will understand my decision.

"There's never a right time to resign high office. However, this is as good a time as any Budget 2024 is done, institutions with the Good Friday Agreement are working again. On our trading relationship with the UK and the post Brexit area is settled and stable.

"The new taoiseach will have a full two months to prepare for the local and European elections and up to a year before the next general election. My reasons for stepping down are both personal and political. I believe this government can be re-elected and I believe my party, Fine Gael can gain seats in the next door. I believe the re-election of this free party government would be the right thing for the future of our country.

"Continuing to take us forward, protecting all that's been achieved and building on us. But after careful consideration, and some soul searching, I believe that a new taoiseach and a new leader will be better placed in me to achieve that to renew and strengthen the team to focus our message and policies to drive implementation.

"And after seven years in office, I don't feel I'm the best person for that job anymore. There are loyal colleagues and good friends contesting local European elections. And I want to give them the best chance possible. And I think that the better chance under a new leader.

"I am standing aside in the absolute confidence that the country and the economy are in a good place and that my colleagues and government from all three parties, Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Greens and the we will continue to work hard for the nation's best interests.

On a personal level, I've enjoyed being taoiseach, leader and a cabinet member since March 2011. I've learned so much about so many things met so many people who had never got to meet been to places I would never have seen both home and abroad. And I am deeply grateful for it. And despite the challenges would wholeheartedly recommend a career in politics to anyone who's considering it.

"However, politicians are human beings have our limitations. We give it everything until we can't anymore and then we have to move on. I will afford of course continue to fill my juices of tea took until a new one has elected and will remain as consistency TD for Dublin West.

"I know inevitably there'll be speculation as to the quote unquote, real reason for my decision. These are the real reasons. That's it. I have nothing else lined up I have nothing in mind. I have no definite personal or political plans. But I'm really looking forward to having the time to think about them.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my party, my coach and partners particularly Micheal and Eamon, my constituents, colleagues and staff for their loyalty and their phenomenal work. And I'm going to thank them all in person in the near future. Most of all, I want to finish by thanking the people of Ireland for giving me the opportunity to serve them. And I promise I'll keep working for Ireland and my community in any way I can in the future. Thank you very much."