Cork politicians react to Leo Varadkar's resignation as Taoiseach

Politicians from both sides of the divide in Cork have had their say following Leo Varadkar's official resignation as Taoiseach.

Mr Varadkar arrived at the official residence of President Michael D Higgins, Áras an Úachtaráin, at 5.55pm this evening. Mr Higgins is understood to have greeted Mr Varadkar in the president’s study, where a letter of resignation was handed to the Secretary General of the Irish President. After taking some refreshments with Mr Higgins and his wife Sabina, Mr Varadkar departed from the Aras at 6.40pm.

Mr Varadkar will remain as Taoiseach in a caretaker capacity until his successor is voted in.

New Fine Gael leader Simon Harris is expected to be appointed as Ireland’s next taoiseach, and the youngest in its history, tomorrow afternoon. The 37-year-old is expected to reshuffle the Fine Gael ministerial team after his appointment.

Mr Varadkar's party colleague, Cork North Central TD Colm Burke believes "major change [was] achieved in a very short time period" while he was Taoiseach, and Cork East's David Stanton added: "I would like to thank Leo for his service, for trusting me by re-appointing me as Minister for State when he first became Taoiseach and to wish him the very best for the future.” 

Finance minister, and Cork South Central Fianna Fáil TD Michael McGrath said: “It was fitting that the Taoiseach’s final official engagement was at the North South Ministerial Council meeting in Armagh.

“Both Taoiseach Varadkar and my constituency colleague Minister Simon Coveney invested a lot of time and energy to secure the restoration of the institutions in Northern Ireland so it must have been satisfying for them both to attend the first in-person meeting of the council in four years on the eve of their departure from office.” 

Meanwhile, opposition TDs had their say.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns acknowledged Mr Varadkar's hard work while in government. “Being in cabinet for 13 years - and Taoiseach on two occasions since 2017 – was undeniably extremely challenging and involved many personal sacrifices for both him and his family," the Cork South West TD said yesterday. “However, having a new Taoiseach tomorrow won't change the problems we face as a country.”

People Before Profit-Solidarity TD for Cork North Central Mick Barry said: 

"Leo Varadkar will be sadly missed by the wealthy and the privileged but there won't be too many tears shed in working class homes I suspect.” 

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin's Thomas Gould, also a Cork North Central TD, again called for a general election.

His party colleague, Cork South Central TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said a rotation of Taoiseach is not what's needed, rather a change in government is.

“I wish Leo Varadkar all the best for his future personally, but politically his government has presided over a housing crisis that has continued to escalate and record homelessness - I don’t see Simon Harris changing that at all," he added.