During a tearful speech in front of the Government Buildings in Dublin, Mr. Varadkar said that while serving as the nation's leader had been the "most fulfilling time" of his life, it was now "good as any" for him to stand aside.

Mr. Varadkar said reporters, “I am resigning as the Taoiseach as soon as my successor is able to take up that office and as president and leader of Fine Gael effective today.”

He is anticipated to hold this position until his party chooses a replacement, which should happen by the party's ardfheis in early April. Next, the next Fine Gael leader will be chosen by the Dáil as Taoiseach.

Many people were taken aback by the statement, even Mr. Varadkar's Coalition allies. Micheál Martin, the head of Fianna Fáil and Tánaiste, stated that he was startled by the resignation decision but assured that it would not lead to an early general election.