Leo Varadkar will not be standing in the next General Election.
He made the announcement last night at a meeting of the party-faithful in his local Fine Gael Dublin West Constituency.
The former party leader was widely expected to retire from politics, after stepping down as Taoiseach last April.
Deputy Varadkar, who has been an elected representative for more than twenty years, told party members that is has been the privilege of his life to serve his county and country;
"I have decided that the time has come for me to explore new options and opportunities. I have never seen myself as a career politician and I am keen to see how I can make my contribution to society in other ways."
He went on to say that he will complete his term and will continue to be a full time TD until the Dáil is dissolved.
Image: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
