In pictures: Leo Varadkar's time in politics

Updated / Monday, 8 Apr 2024 19:28
In 2009, a young Leo Varadkar joins then Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny in announcing a proposed job creation subsidy
In 2009, a young Leo Varadkar joins then Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny in announcing a proposed job creation subsidy

Leo Varadkar has formally resigned as Taoiseach.

He was the Fine Gael upstart who became Ireland's youngest Taoiseach when he was elected in 2017 at the age of 38.

His unexpected announcement last month to step down came as a shock, but Mr Varadkar says he was simply no longer the best person for the job.

This gallery looks back at some of his most memorable moments in Irish politics.

Simon Coveney, Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny and Leo Varadkar outside the Dáil to launch Young Fine Gael's 'Working to Get You Working' campain in 2010
Simon Coveney, Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny and Leo Varadkar outside the Dáil to launch Young Fine Gael's 'Working to Get You Working' campain in 2010
In 2011, Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar announced a multi-million euro tourism marketing fund part funded by the travel tax at Dublin airport
In 2011, Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar announced a multi-million euro tourism marketing fund part funded by the travel tax at Dublin airport
In 2012, Leo Varadkar joined members and volunteers of both the Irish Coast Guard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute during a joint training exercise in Howth
In 2012, Leo Varadkar joined members and volunteers of both the Irish Coast Guard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute during a joint training exercise in Howth
Minister for Transport and Tourism Leo Varadkar and Minister of State for Public and Commuter Transport Alan Kelly celebrating the Luas operating in Dublin for 10 years in 2014
Minister for Transport and Tourism Leo Varadkar and Minister of State for Public and Commuter Transport Alan Kelly celebrating the Luas operating in Dublin for 10 years in 2014
Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton and Leo Varadkar at the opening of the Galway-Dublin cross-country greenway in Castleknock, Dublin. in 2014
Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton and Leo Varadkar at the opening of the Galway-Dublin cross-country greenway in Castleknock, Dublin. in 2014
Leo Varadkar hands over the the keys of the first of 62 new ambulances to Chief Ambulance Officer Pat Grant at Dublin Castle in 2015
Leo Varadkar hands over the the keys of the first of 62 new ambulances to Chief Ambulance Officer Pat Grant at Dublin Castle in 2015
In 2015 during an interview with RTÉ's Miriam O'Callaghan Leo Varadkar (pictured here in 2019 with his partner Matthew Barrett) made it known to the public that he is gay
In 2015 during an interview with RTÉ's Miriam O'Callaghan Leo Varadkar (pictured here in 2019 with his partner Matthew Barrett) made it known to the public that he is gay
INMO General Secretary Liam Doran, Leo Varadkar and Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin call for a Yes vote in the Marriage Equality Referendum in 2015
INMO General Secretary Liam Doran, Leo Varadkar and Minister of State Aodhán Ó Ríordáin call for a Yes vote in the Marriage Equality Referendum in 2015
Leo Varadkar attends a press conference at 10 Downing Street in London with Prime Minister Theresa May on his first official engagement outside of Ireland as Taoiseach in 2017
Leo Varadkar attends a press conference at 10 Downing Street in London with Prime Minister Theresa May on his first official engagement outside of Ireland as Taoiseach in 2017
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joins Leo Varadkar for a run in the Phoenix Park during his official visit to Ireland in 2017
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joins Leo Varadkar for a run in the Phoenix Park during his official visit to Ireland in 2017
During Leo Varadkar's official visit to Canada in 2017 he and Prime Minister Trudeau attend a gay pride march in Montreal
During Leo Varadkar's official visit to Canada in 2017 he and Prime Minister Trudeau attend a gay pride march in Montreal
Leo Varadkar attends the inauguration of Michael D Higgins as president for a second term at Dublin Castle in 2018
Leo Varadkar attends the inauguration of Michael D Higgins as president for a second term at Dublin Castle in 2018
The traditional bowl of Shamrock being recieved by US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania at the White House in 2018
The traditional bowl of Shamrock being recieved by US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania at the White House in 2018
Boris Johnson arrives in Dublin in 2019 to discuss Brexit and the Northern Ireland Border problem
Boris Johnson arrives in Dublin in 2019 to discuss Brexit and the Northern Ireland Border problem
Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar talk at the final TV leaders' debate at the RTÉ studios in Donnybrook, Dublin ahead of the 2020 General Election
Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar talk at the final TV leaders' debate at the RTÉ studios in Donnybrook, Dublin ahead of the 2020 General Election
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk with Leo Varadkar and partner Matt Barrett at Government Buildings in Dublin during their three-day visit to Ireland in March 2020
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk with Leo Varadkar and partner Matt Barrett at Government Buildings in Dublin during their three-day visit to Ireland in March 2020
Leo Varadkar at Blair House in Washington during a press conference where he announced that all schools, colleges and childcare facilities in Ireland will close as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020
Leo Varadkar at Blair House in Washington during a press conference where he announced that all schools, colleges and childcare facilities in Ireland will close as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar launches face a coverings campaign on national transport during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar launches face a coverings campaign on national transport during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020
Leo Varadkar stands with Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan at Government Buildings in March 2020 where he said that mass public gatherings such as St Patrick's Day parades will not be cancelled amid the spread of Covid-19
Leo Varadkar stands with Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan at Government Buildings in March 2020 where he said that mass public gatherings such as St Patrick's Day parades will not be cancelled amid the spread of Covid-19
US President Joe Biden is given a bowl of shamrock for the St Patrick's day reception in Washington 2024
US President Joe Biden is given a bowl of shamrock for the St Patrick's day reception in Washington 2024
Leo Varadkar arrives at Government buildings in Dublin after announcing he will step down
Leo Varadkar arrives at Government buildings in Dublin after announcing he will step down
Leo Varadkar meeting President Michael D Higgins to present his resignation
Leo Varadkar meeting President Michael D Higgins to present his resignation

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