Leo Varadkar to stand down at next Irish election

Leo Varadkar says it is time for him to explore new options

Former Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar has announced he will not stand in the next general election in the Republic of Ireland.

Mr Varadkar, who stepped down as taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael in March, announced his decision on Tuesday evening.

He said the time had come for him to "explore new options and opportunities".

Mr Varadkar was Ireland's youngest head of government when he first became taoiseach at the age of 38 in 2017.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, he said: "I have never seen myself as a career politician and I am keen to see how I can make my contribution to society in other ways.

"I shall, of course, complete my term in the Dáil and will continue to be a full time TD until it is dissolved.

"I am making this decision at a time when the Fine Gael party is in good shape”.

Earlier this month former Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Coveney announced he would not stand in the next general election.

That election is to due to take place in early 2025 if the current coalition government runs its full term.