Simon Coveney has announced he will step down from Cabinet next week, just days after Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced his decision to quit his post.
The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment said he informed incoming taoiseach Simon Harris of his decision on Monday night.
Simon Coveney has announced he will step down from Cabinet next week, just days after Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced his decision to quit his post
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In a post on social media, Coveney - who was heavily involved in the Brexit negotiations - wrote: "Last night I spoke to @SimonHarrisTD to inform him that I would not be making myself available to serve in the cabinet when the Dáil resumes next week. I’ll continue to work as a proud TD for Cork South Central and will of course actively support the Government in the Dáil."
Varadkar last week announced that he will step down before the next general election.
The 45-year-old Taoiseach also announced that he is immediately resigning as leader of Fine Gael, describing his period leading the country as "the most fulfilling time of my life".
Varadkar became Ireland's youngest Taoiseach in 2017 when he became leader of Fine Gael at the age of 38. He led the coalition government in Dublin, along with Fianna Fáil and the Greens.
Coveney was thought to be a frontrunner to replace Varadkar, but the former Taoiseach will instead be replaced by Simon Harris.
Harris will be confirmed as the new taoiseach after a vote in the Dáil on April 9.
Varadkar told a press conference in Dublin that his decision is "personal and political".
He said: "I am resigning as president and leader effective from today and will resign as Taoiseach as soon as my successor is able to take up that office...[It is time] to pass on the baton to someone else."
The announcement comes ahead of local government and European parliament elections in Ireland in June. The next general election must be held by early spring next year.
Over the last year, 10 Fine Gael TDs have announced their intention to step away from politics at the general election, fuelling speculation of internal discontent within the party.
In his resignation speech, Varadkar 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.
Varadkar last week announced that he will step down before the next general election
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"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."
