Irish premier Leo Varadkar has announced he is to step down as Taoiseach and is resigning as leader of his party, Fine Gael.Flanked by party colleagues, Mr Varadkar appeared emotional and said his resignation as Fine Gael leader was effective from Wednesday and he will step down as Taoiseach when a successor is selected.The party was resoundingly beaten in two referendums on changes ministers had proposed to the Irish constitution.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar has announced he is to step down as Taoiseach and is resigning as leader of his party, Fine Gael.Flanked by party colleagues, Mr Varadkar appeared emotional and said his resignation as Fine Gael leader was effective from Wednesday and he will step down as Taoiseach when a successor is selected.The party was resoundingly beaten in two referendums on changes ministers had proposed to the Irish constitution.