LIVE: Reaction to Leo Varadkar's shock resignation as Taoiseach and Fine Gael party leader

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

He confirmed the shock news in an emotional statement outside Government Buildings in Dublin shortly after midday this Wednesday.

He told reporters his reasons for stepping down are "personal and political, but mainly political".

Mr Varadkar's resignation as president and leader of Fine Gael takes immediate effect and he will remain on as Taoiseach until a new leader of Fine Gael is elected.

 Green Party leader and coalition partner Eamon Ryan offered his "sincere thanks to Leo Varadkar for his work as Taoiseach" in a statement following Mr Varadkar's announcement.

"He has been an energetic and committed leader of the country who was always supportive of his government colleagues."

"In the interim, the important work of Government continues and the three coalition parties will continue to fulfil our mandate, just as we have done over the last three and a half years," Mr Ryan continued.

He echoes statements from Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micháel Martin, who said that 

it was his view that governments should go full term.

"That creates stability, it avoids short-term decision making and it gives a better policy focus than a short-term electoral run," he said.

"That is why I've been absolutely steadfast and consistent on this since the beginning of this government that it should go full term and that remains my position."

He continued that it is new and it is unprecedented in many ways, "but it has happened before where taoisigh have been elected mid-stream in different Dáils", and in his view the governement have a clear mandate and a clear programme for Government.

Opposition party leaders however are calling for a general election in the wake of this Wednesday's shock announcement.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns posted on social media that the government is "failing on so many fronts".

"A new Fine Gael Taoiseach isn’t going to fix that. We need a new government. We need an election."

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin echoed her call, adding on social media that "change starts here"

Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín TD has welcomed Mr Varadkar's resignation as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael, but has called on the government to hold a General Election to be held on the same day as the local and European elections.

He added that the office of Taoiseach has been "passed around like snuff at a wake without democratic mandate".

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik said in a statement that Fine Gael need to "do the right thing and go to the people now."

"It is utterly untenable that we would see this Government remain in office despite this deeply destabilising news.

"It is not the prerogative of any one party to dictate who should lead Ireland. The people must decide who is best equipped to address the pressing issues facing our nation," she continued.

Ian Talbot, chief executive of Chambers Ireland released a statement on behalf of their members, to thank the outgoing Taoiseach for "his outstanding service and to wish him every success in his future career.”

"“With the passing of time it can be easy to overlook the crises that threatened our economy and society and the enormous changes that have taken place in Ireland since Leo Varadkar first became Taoiseach in 2017," Mr Talbot said.

"His contribution to social and diversity issues have also contributed significantly to Ireland’s attractiveness for investment [and] his economic management of the country has helped ensure Ireland’s success as one of the most productive and competitive economies in the world."