Enda Kenny to step down as Fine Gael leader
Mr Kenny will retire as leader from midnight but continue his Taoiseach duties as normal.
Last updated 17th May 2017
The announcement clears the way for Ireland to have a new head of government.
Mr Kenny took to twitter to break the news.
Later, in a statement to colleagues in Dublin, Mr Kenny said he was retiring from midnight with his successor to be in place by June 2.
"I want to assure people that throughout this internal process, I will continue to carry out my duties and responsibilities as Taoiseach in full,'' he said.
The veteran politician, from Castlebar, in Co Mayo, spent 15 years at the helm of the party and more than six years at the head of government.