<p>Indian-origin Leo Varadkar on Wednesday (Mar 20) announced that he will step down as the prime minister of Ireland and the leader of the governing Fine Gael party. He cited "personal and political" reasons behind this surprise move as he spoke about his decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While addressing the media, Varadkar said that leading the nation was the most "fulfilling time" of his life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am resigning as president and leader of Fine Gael effective today and will resign as the Taoiseach (prime minister) as soon as my successor is able to take up that office," Varadkar told reporters gathered outside government buildings in Dublin.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Varadkar has served as the prime minister since December 2022, and previously from 2017 to 2020. In 2017, he became Ireland's youngest PM when he became Fine Gael leader. he was also the first gay PM.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is currently leading the coalition government, along with Fianna Fáil and the Green Party. However, his resignation as head of the three-party coalition won't trigger a general election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Varadkar said that he had asked for a new leader of the party to be elected ahead of Fine Gael's annual conference on April 6. After that, the parliament would vote on that person becoming prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The 45-year-old said, "My reasons for stepping down are both personal and political."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But after careful consideration, and some soul searching, I believe that a new taoiseach and a new leader will be better placed than me to achieve that (the coalition government's re-election)," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He told about his plans to the coalition members at a regular weekly meeting on Tuesday and they were left stunned. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said his party would work with whoever replaces Varadkar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I've enjoyed being Taoiseach, leader and cabinet member since March 2011. I've learned so much about so many things that so many people who I'd never got to meet into places I would never seen at home and abroad. And I am deeply grateful for it," he said in his closing statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, contenders to succeed Varadkar as Fine Gael leader include Higher Education Minister Simon Harris, who was health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, a former deputy prime minister, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe and Justice Minister Helen McEntee.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Indian-origin Leo Varadkar on Wednesday (Mar 20) announced that he will step down as the prime minister of Ireland and the leader of the governing Fine Gael party.

Indian-origin Leo Varadkar on Wednesday (Mar 20) announced that he will step down as the prime minister of Ireland and the leader of the governing Fine Gael party. He cited "personal and political" reasons behind this surprise move as he spoke about his decision. While addressing the media, Varadkar said that leading the nation was the most "fulfilling time" of his life. "I am resigning as president and leader of Fine Gael effective today and will resign as the Taoiseach (prime minister) as soon as my successor is able to take up that office," Varadkar told reporters gathered outside government buildings in Dublin. Also read: Polish farmers intensify protests against 'executioner' EU Varadkar has served as the prime minister since December 2022, and previously from 2017 to 2020. In 2017, he became Ireland's youngest PM when he became Fine Gael leader. he was also the first gay PM. He is currently leading the coalition government, along with Fianna Fáil and the Green Party. However, his resignation as head of the three-party coalition won't trigger a general election. Varadkar said that he had asked for a new leader of the party to be elected ahead of Fine Gael's annual conference on April 6. After that, the parliament would vote on that person becoming prime minister. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Canada to halt arms sales to Israel; UK deputy PM calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza The 45-year-old said, "My reasons for stepping down are both personal and political." "But after careful consideration, and some soul searching, I believe that a new taoiseach and a new leader will be better placed than me to achieve that (the coalition government's re-election)," he said. He told about his plans to the coalition members at a regular weekly meeting on Tuesday and they were left stunned. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said his party would work with whoever replaces Varadkar. "I've enjoyed being Taoiseach, leader and cabinet member since March 2011. I've learned so much about so many things that so many people who I'd never got to meet into places I would never seen at home and abroad. And I am deeply grateful for it," he said in his closing statement. As per reports, contenders to succeed Varadkar as Fine Gael leader include Higher Education Minister Simon Harris, who was health minister during the COVID-19 pandemic, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, a former deputy prime minister, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe and Justice Minister Helen McEntee. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin leader Leo Varadkar resigns as Ireland's prime minister in surprise move

<p>United States President Joe Biden on Friday cracked multiple jokes related to his Irish ancestry as he marked St Patrick’s Day with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at the White House.</p>

<p>The 80-year-old president attended the Friends of Ireland Luncheon with Varadkar and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, where he spoke on their shared Irish heritage and the friendly ties between the two countries.</p>

<p>“I’ve been to Ireland many times, but not to actually look up, to find my actual family members. And there are so many — and they actually weren’t in jail,” said Biden, recalling his six-day visit to the nation during which he met his relatives.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-pressures-tiktoks-chinese-owners-to-sell-stakes-threatens-complete-ban-572563">Biden administration pressures TikTok's Chinese owners to sell stakes, threatens complete ban</a></p>

<p>“There’s still a place called Finnegan’s pub…that’s related to my family. I’m the only Irishman you ever met, though, that’s never had a drink, so I’m OK. I’m really not Irish,” he added.</p>

<p>McCarthy, who has Irish ancestry, said that he is willing to work together with Biden. Responding to that, Biden said, “I agree with the speaker, there’s no reason why we can’t find common ground. There’s no reason why we can’t hope to change this direction of the extremes in which both parties are pushing.”</p>

<p>“I think it’s important. I think it’s really important. And that’s the power of friendship. I think it’s the power of - it’s the strength of our partnership, if we work at it, and simply put, I think it’s the Irish of it,” he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Biden, who was sporting a sprig of shamrock in his lapel, held a meeting with Varadkar in the Oval Office, where he said that Saint Patrick's is a "big day" in his house.</p>

<p>Varadkar emphasised recent assistance by the United States over the trade rules between Britain and its Northern Irish province and the Republic of Ireland.</p>

<p>The arrangement, called the Windsor Framework, is an "agreement that lasts," said Varadkar, adding "which is important for Northern Ireland, and also important for British-Irish and European relations."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | U.S. banking safe, taxpayers won't be burden: Joe Biden</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-banking-safe-taxpayers-wont-be-burden-joe-biden-571677/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>He ensured that Biden will have a good time on his upcoming visit to Ireland, which is likely to coincide with the US-brokered Good Friday Agreement's 25th anniversary.</p>

<p>“We're going to roll out the red carpet and it's going to be a visit like no other. Everyone's excited about it already. We're going to have great crowds who would love to see you," Varadkar said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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United States President Joe Biden on Friday cracked multiple jokes related to his Irish ancestry as he marked St Patrick’s Day with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at the White House.

United States President Joe Biden on Friday cracked multiple jokes related to his Irish ancestry as he marked St Patrick’s Day with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar at the White House. The 80-year-old president attended the Friends of Ireland Luncheon with Varadkar and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, where he spoke on their shared Irish heritage and the friendly ties between the two countries. “I’ve been to Ireland many times, but not to actually look up, to find my actual family members. And there are so many — and they actually weren’t in jail,” said Biden, recalling his six-day visit to the nation during which he met his relatives. ALSO READ | Biden administration pressures TikTok's Chinese owners to sell stakes, threatens complete ban “There’s still a place called Finnegan’s pub…that’s related to my family. I’m the only Irishman you ever met, though, that’s never had a drink, so I’m OK. I’m really not Irish,” he added. McCarthy, who has Irish ancestry, said that he is willing to work together with Biden. Responding to that, Biden said, “I agree with the speaker, there’s no reason why we can’t find common ground. There’s no reason why we can’t hope to change this direction of the extremes in which both parties are pushing.” “I think it’s important. I think it’s really important. And that’s the power of friendship. I think it’s the power of - it’s the strength of our partnership, if we work at it, and simply put, I think it’s the Irish of it,” he added. Meanwhile, Biden, who was sporting a sprig of shamrock in his lapel, held a meeting with Varadkar in the Oval Office, where he said that Saint Patrick's is a "big day" in his house. Varadkar emphasised recent assistance by the United States over the trade rules between Britain and its Northern Irish province and the Republic of Ireland. The arrangement, called the Windsor Framework, is an "agreement that lasts," said Varadkar, adding "which is important for Northern Ireland, and also important for British-Irish and European relations." WATCH | U.S. banking safe, taxpayers won't be burden: Joe Biden He ensured that Biden will have a good time on his upcoming visit to Ireland, which is likely to coincide with the US-brokered Good Friday Agreement's 25th anniversary. “We're going to roll out the red carpet and it's going to be a visit like no other. Everyone's excited about it already. We're going to have great crowds who would love to see you," Varadkar said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden jokes he’s ‘really not Irish’ as he marks St Patrick’s Day with Irish PM

<p>Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrived in India on Sunday on a one-day private trip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, Indian-origin Varadkar is in the country to meet his family. He visited his ancestral village in Malvan, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Varadkar was born to Ashok and Miriam Varadkar in Dublin, Ireland in 1979. Ashok Varadkar moved to Ireland in the 1960s from Mumbai, Maharashtra to pursue his career as a doctor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Varadkar took charge as Ireland's prime minister in the year 2017 and heads one of the prominent political parties of Ireland - Fine Gael.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Irish PM Leo Varadkar is on an private visit to India to meet his family. Leo is Indian origin and his father Ashok Varadkar is from Maharashtra. <a href="https://t.co/gFkisFsqiK">pic.twitter.com/gFkisFsqiK</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1211229913635622912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>In 2015, Varadkar made headlines for coming out as gay - the first Irish prime minister and the only openly gay head&nbsp;of state in today's time.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Maharashtra: Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar today visited his ancestral village in Malvan, Sindhudurg. <a href="https://t.co/fhzcMakmVN">pic.twitter.com/fhzcMakmVN</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1211324126452834310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Varadkar is also the first and the only Indian-origin Taoiseach or prime minister of Ireland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before taking charge as the Irish Prime Minister, Varadkar had served as the Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport (2011-14) and as Minister of Health from 2014-16.&nbsp;</p>

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Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrived in India on Sunday on a one-day private trip. According to reports, Indian-origin Varadkar is in the country to meet his family.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar arrived in India on Sunday on a one-day private trip. According to reports, Indian-origin Varadkar is in the country to meet his family. He visited his ancestral village in Malvan, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. Varadkar was born to Ashok and Miriam Varadkar in Dublin, Ireland in 1979. Ashok Varadkar moved to Ireland in the 1960s from Mumbai, Maharashtra to pursue his career as a doctor. Varadkar took charge as Ireland's prime minister in the year 2017 and heads one of the prominent political parties of Ireland - Fine Gael. Irish PM Leo Varadkar is on an private visit to India to meet his family. Leo is Indian origin and his father Ashok Varadkar is from Maharashtra. pic.twitter.com/gFkisFsqiK — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 29, 2019 × In 2015, Varadkar made headlines for coming out as gay - the first Irish prime minister and the only openly gay head of state in today's time. Maharashtra: Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar today visited his ancestral village in Malvan, Sindhudurg. pic.twitter.com/fhzcMakmVN — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2019 × Varadkar is also the first and the only Indian-origin Taoiseach or prime minister of Ireland. Before taking charge as the Irish Prime Minister, Varadkar had served as the Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport (2011-14) and as Minister of Health from 2014-16.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar visits family in India

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Indian-origin leader Leo Varadkar resigns as Ireland's prime minister in surprise move

Biden jokes he’s ‘really not Irish’ as he marks St Patrick’s Day with Irish PM

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar visits family in India