Barry Walsh has resigned from Fine Gael's Executive Council following controversy over abusive remarks he posted on social media.
Fine Gael TD Kate O'Connell had made a complaint to the party about comments posted to Twitter by Mr Walsh referencing her and a number of other women.
In a letter, Mr Walsh said he is resigning effective immediately and said he deeply regrets the tone and language used in some of my tweets.
He said he hopes his resignation would bring an "an end to the 'trial by media' which has occurred in the last 48 hours and placed intolerable pressure on my family and friends".
He added that he realised that some of his remarks "have caused serious offence to many people" and apologised unreservedly.
He continued: "As you know, I first got involved in politics because I have passionate views on many issues and have always enjoyed robust political debate, however I accept that with many of these tweets I took the political jousting a step too far".
Earlier, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it would be best if Mr Walsh stepped down from his role on the council and that his conduct was "below the standard of what I would expect from a Fine Gael officer".
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Speaking at a summit of EU leaders in Sweden, Mr Varadkar said:
"There are lots of trolls, lots of nasty people and lots of horrible language on Twitter but I expect Fine Gael officers to set a higher standard."
The Taoiseach confirmed that disciplinary procedures are under way following Ms O'Connell's complaint, and said: "It would be best if he [Mr Walsh] resigned and stepped down as a member of the Fine Gael executive council."
Mr Walsh was one of 28 members on the party's national executive.
Yesterday, Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty said the comments made by Mr Walsh have been going on for months, if not years.
Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Sean O'Rourke she said he displays "bile in every single tweet".
Ms Doherty said Mr Walsh is not fit to be sitting around the table with people who are committed to their work in Fine Gael.
Mr Walsh has blocked his Twitter account from public view following the complaint.
