Varadkar denies resignation conspiracy theories

Leo Varadkar arrives at the European Council Meeting in Brussels on Thursday

Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Leo Varadkar has denied any "conspiracy theories" over why he announced his resignation on Wednesday.

Mr Varadkar's decision caused surprise within his party and the taoiseach claimed he had only told his partners in government the night before.

Rumours over his decision to resign have persisted since the announcement but Mr Varadkar moved to dispel them on Friday.

Speaking in Brussels, where he is attending a meeting of the European Council, he denied having any ulterior motive or a new job lined up.

'Conspiracy theories'

"I understand the need for conspiracy theories and speculation, but that's simply not the case," he said.

"That's not to say that some time from now, someone will throw some allegation at me tomorrow or next week or in a few months time, that I'm not aware of now.

"That will probably be rubbish. Like most of it.

"Then people will then turn around and say: 'Aha, that was the real reason. But like, that's not it.'"

Mr Varadkar announced his resignation on Wednesday

Mr Varadkar's comments come ahead of nominations for his successor closing on Sunday.

This has been brought forward by 24 hours with Simon Harris, the further education minister, the only declared candidate so far.

A memo sent to Fine Gael politicians said: “The returning officer will make an announcement at the conclusion of the Midlands North West European Election Selection Convention confirming the person/s duly nominated, and if only one person is nominated will confirm that person as party leader.

"In that case, the party leader will address the meeting.”

On Friday morning, Mr Harris said he was not ruling out an Irish general election by the end of the year.

A general election must be called by early February 2025.

Irish President Michael D Higgins was informed of Mr Varadkar's decision to stand down shortly before the press conference announcing his resignation, according to the president's spokesman.

He added that the pair also had a "substantial conversation" shortly after this speech, in which Mr Higgins "thanked the taoiseach for his service".