In a surprise move, openly gay Irish Prime Minister (or Taoiseach) Leo Varadkar has announced his resignation, citing "personal and political, but mainly political reasons," according to CNN.
Varadkar said he felt he was no longer the "best man" for the job. He added that he would stay as prime minister until a successor can be elected after parliament returns from recess next month.
His announcement came mere days after a trip to D.C., where he challenged President Joe Biden over the U.S. response to the war in Gaza. In his official statement, Varadkar also said, in part, "On a personal level, I have enjoyed being Taoiseach, Leader and a Cabinet member since March 2011. I have learned so much about so many things, met people who I would never have got to meet, been to places I would never have seen, both home and abroad. I am deeply grateful for it and would wholeheartedly recommend a career in politics to anyone considering it.
"However, politicians are human beings. We have our limitations. We give it everything until we can't anymore and then we have to move on."
Ireland Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin, leader of coalition partner Fianna Fáil, said Varadkar was "entitled to take a decision of this kind," but called the move "unprecedented."
Varadkar first became prime minister in 2017, after being elected leader of the Fine Gael party.
Varadkar's partner, Matthew Barrett, is a doctor. He accompanied the prime minister when meeting Biden.
Andrew Davis