Irish premier Leo Varadkar has announced he is to step down as Taoiseach and is resigning as leader of his party, Fine Gael.

In an emotional speech outside Government Buildings in Dublin, Mr Varadkar said his tenure as Taoiseach had been “the most fulfilling time of my life”.

Flanked by party colleagues, he said his resignation as Fine Gael leader was effective from Wednesday and he will step down as Taoiseach when a successor is selected.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The announcement comes after a turbulent number of weeks for the Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Green Party coalition government.

Leo Varadkar to step down as Irish Taoiseach and Fine Gael party leader