Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar is to stand down from the position and will step down as Fine Gael party leader.
Varadkar, 45, will step down before the next general election in the Republic of Ireland as soon as a successor is chosen.He became Ireland's youngest taoiseach in 2017 when he became leader of his party.
He currently leads the coalition government in Dublin, along with Fianna Fáil and the Greens.
He said at a press conference on Wednesday that his reasons for stepping down were “both personal and political”.
The politician said he believes a new party leader - and prime minister - would be better placed for reelection.
The announcement comes after a turbulent number of weeks for the Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Green Party coalition government.
It was resoundingly beaten in two referendums on changes ministers had proposed to the Irish constitution.
The comprehensive defeats were a significant blow to Mr Varadkar and other coalition leaders who had campaigned for 'yes yes' votes.
The announcement comes ahead of local government and European parliament elections in Ireland in June. The next general election must be held by early spring next year.
