Leo Varadkar, 45, surprised the public by announcing his resignation as Ireland's prime minister on Wednesday, March 20. He stated that another leader might enhance the coalition government's chances of winning re-election.

This came two days after Varadkar told US President Joe Biden that Ireland supports Palestine.

"As you know, the Irish are deeply troubled about the catastrophe unfolding in Gaza," he said in a press conference in Washington on Monday, March 18, before adding that the reason behind their support for the Palestinian people is because "we [the Irish] see our history in their eyes."

During his resignation announcement, Varadkar cited personal and political reasons for stepping down.

"My reasons for stepping down are both personal and political," Varadkar said.

"But after careful consideration, and some soul searching, I believe that a new Taoiseach (prime minister) and a new leader will be better placed than me to achieve (the coalition government's re-election)."

Varadkar's party, Fine Gael, will begin selecting a new leader on Thursday, with the outcome to be revealed on April 5. Parliament will then vote on the new leader's succession on April 9.

Despite Varadkar's departure, a general election is not triggered, as one must be held by March 2025.

The incoming prime minister will have 12 months to address the significant polling deficit that Fine Gael and its coalition partner Fianna Fail face against the main opposition party, Sinn Fein.

Potential successors to Varadkar include Higher Education Minister Simon Harris, former Health Minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his successor, Varadkar remains confident in his decision to step down, stating that politicians have their limits and must know when to move on.

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