Live: Leo Varadkar announces shock resignation as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader

Leo Varadkar has announced he will step down as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael.

In an emotional address outside Government Buildings in Dublin, Mr Varadkar said leading the country had been the "most fulfilling time" of his life.

He is expected to remain in place until his party has elected a successor, which it is hoped will be completed by the party’s ardfheis in early April. The Dáil will then elect the new Fine Gael leader as taoiseach.

"I am resigning as president and leader of Fine Gael effective today and will resign as the Taoiseach as soon as my successor is able to take up that office," Mr Varadkar told reporters.

A visibly emotional Mr Varadkar said his decision was both “personal and political”.

“I believe this Government can be re-elected and I believe my party, Fine Gael, can gain seats in the next poll,” he said.

“Most of all I believe the re-election of this three-party government would be the right thing for the future of our country.

“Continuing to take us forward, protecting all that has been achieved and building on it.

“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, to renew and strengthen the team, to focus our message and policies, to drive implementation.

“And, after seven years in office, I don’t feel I’m the best person for that job anymore.”

Mr Varadkar said it was the right time for him to step down and that there was no "real reason" behind his decision.

"I have nothing else lined up I have nothing in mind. I have no definite personal or political plans," he said.

Mr Varadkar first assumed the office of Taoiseach in June 2017, becoming the youngest person to hold the office. He has been a Fine Gael TD for the Dublin West constituency since 2007.

The departure of Mr Varadkar is likely to lead to calls for an early general election.

According to The Irish Times, Mr Varadkar informed senior Fine Gael colleagues on Tuesday and the leaders of the Coalition parties, Micheál Martin and Eamon Ryan, on Tuesday evening.

Since last year, 10 Fine Gael TDs have said that they will not contest the next general election, with the latest, Ciaran Cannon, announcing his decision on Tuesday.

John Paul Phelan, Michael Creed, Richard Bruton, Brendan Griffin, Joe McHugh, Fergus O’Dowd, David Stanton, Charlie Flanagan and Paul Kehoe have all made similar announcements.

Contenders to succeed Mr Varadkar as Fine Gael leader include Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris, who was health minister during the early phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney, Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.

More to follow...