Irish PM Leo Varadkar resigns as government formation founders
- Premier will stay on as interim leader while country’s three main parties battle it out in coalition talks after inconclusive election
- ‘Substantial’ challenge remaining for formation of new government as rivals refuse to cooperate
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar resigned on Thursday, but stayed on as interim leader while the country’s three main parties battle it out in coalition talks after an inconclusive election.
Varadkar tendered his resignation as taoiseach, or premier, to President Michael Higgins after the first sitting of Ireland’s lower house of parliament since a February 8 election that radically recast the political landscape.
“In accordance with the constitution, the taoiseach and the government will continue to carry on their duties until successors have been appointed,” a government statement said.
Parties in the 160-seat chamber – the Dail – convened and nominated candidates to lead a new government as taoiseach but with none commanding a majority it was adjourned until March 5.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald received the most votes, but at 45 the total was far short of the 80 needed to take office. It was a symbolic victory, however, reflecting the surge the nationalist party enjoyed in the election.