Taoiseach Leo Varadkar travelled to Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday night to resign following an inconclusive series of Dáil votes to select the next taoiseach. Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin received the second highest vote of 41, followed by Mr Varadkar on 36 and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan on 12. Fine Gael’s longest serving TD, Bernard Durkan of Kildare North, said Mr Varadkar was not afraid to take on challenges, including that of leading a minority government. Mr Varadkar had also led on the challenge of Brexit and as Taoiseach had discharged the office with “distinction, courage and conviction” for the common good of the State. Another newly elected Fianna Fáil TD, James O’Connor, Cork East, said the party’s leader had a record on providing progressive change and was known for his perseverance in delivering that change.

Source: The Irish Times February 20, 2020 19:53 UTC