- author, Aoife Moore
- role, BBC News NI Dublin Reporter
Mr Varadkar’s decision caused consternation within his party, with him claiming he had only informed his partners in government the night before.
Rumors about his decision to resign had been circulating since the announcement, but Mr Varadkar moved on Friday to dispel them.
Speaking in Brussels while attending a European Council meeting, he denied having any ulterior motives or plans for a new job.
“Conspiracy theory”
“I understand the need for conspiracy theories and speculation, but that’s just not the case,” he said.
“That’s not to say that tomorrow or next week or a few months from now somebody’s going to throw some kind of accusation against me, but that’s something I don’t know right now.
“It’s probably going to be crap, like most things.
“Then people will turn around and say, ‘Oh, that’s the real reason. But that’s not true.'”
Mr Varadkar’s comments came ahead of a deadline for nominations to replace him on Sunday.
This was brought forward by 24 hours by the only candidate so far, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris.
A memo sent to Fine Gael politicians said: “The reinstated officers will make an announcement confirming the formally appointed persons at the conclusion of the Midlands North West European Electoral Selection Convention and that only one person has been appointed. In such cases, the person shall be recognized as a political party.” leader.
“In that case, the party leader will address the meeting.”
On Friday morning, Mr Harris said he would not rule out the possibility of an Irish general election before the end of the year.
A general election must be held by early February 2025.
Irish President Michael D. Higgins was informed of Mr Varadkar’s decision to resign shortly before the press conference announcing his resignation, a presidential spokesperson said.
He added that the two men also had a “substantive conversation” shortly after the speech, during which Mr. Higgins “thanked Taoist for his service.”