BREAKING: Enda Kenny has officially announced his resignation
Enda Kenny has officially announced that he will step down as leader of Fine Gael from midnight tonight.
After months of uncertainty surrounding the party’s leadership, Mr Kenny made the long-awaited announcement during the weekly meeting of Fine Gael TDs and senators this evening.
A new leader will be announced on Friday, June 2.
As it stands, Minister for Housing Simon Coveney and Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar are deemed to be the two front-runners.
In a statement, Enda Kenny revealed he will “retire as leader from midnight tonight 17th May 2017”.
“I will continue to carry out my duties as party leader in an acting capacity, until my successor is elected through the Fine Gael leadership election process.”
“I want to assure people that throughout this internal process, I will continue to carry out my duties and responsibilities as Taoiseach in full.’’
— Enda Kenny (@EndaKennyTD) May 17, 2017
Kenny received a standing ovation from his colleagues and was described as “very emotional” by those present.
