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Leo Varadkar to step down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (Niall Carson/PA)

Fionnán Sheahan, Hugh O'Connell, Senan Molony, Gabija Gataveckaite and John Downing

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is to stand down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader.

Follow live updates from our political team here on this breaking news story:

Denise Calnan
BREAKING:

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is to stand down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader.

He is due to make the announcement in a planned photocall at noon in the courtyard of Government Buildings.

The wider public first became aware of a pending announcement after reports of frantic meetings in Government Buildings this morning.

The Cabinet met this morning for the first time since the defeat of the referendum.

Ministers were also away on St Patrick's Day duties last week.

Ministers were alerted to expect the announcement following the Cabinet meeting.

More to follow
Denise Calnan
Fionnán Sheahan writes:

Mr Varadkar will stay on as Taoiseach pending the election of a new leader of Fine Gael.

Attention will now turn to his replacement with a contest expected among several ministers.

Paschal Donohoe, Simon Harris, Simon Coveney and Heather Humphreys are among the names speculated upon the race. 
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