Updated 9.30pm
TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY today announced he would step down as leader of Fine Gael at midnight.
He will stay on as Taoiseach until a new party leader is elected, a contest expected to conclude on Friday, 2 June.
Politicians from across the spectrum have been paying tribute to Kenny, who has been a TD since 1975 and is the longest-serving Fine Gael Taoiseach.
Some international leaders have also released statements about Kenny’s departure.
British Prime Minister Theresa May wished Kenny “all the very best”, saying he “has been a strong and consistent friend to the UK”.
May’s predecessor David Cameron said Kenny was “a strong leader for Ireland” and “remains a good friend”.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sent her “best wishes” to Kenny, saying she “enjoyed working with him in the British/Irish Council”, adding: “He has always been a good friend to Scotland”.
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