Ireland to get new leader as Enda Kenny steps down
DUBLIN — Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny announced Wednesday he is resigning as leader of the Fine Gael party, paving the way for his replacement as the country’s head of government.
After meeting party lawmakers, Kenny said he will step down at midnight, remaining interim party leader until a successor is elected by June 2.
Kenny, Ireland’s leader since 2011, said he would then stay as head of government for a “brief but appropriate period” while his designated successor holds talks with parties and independents propping up the minority government.
Kenny, 66, has led the centre-right Fine Gael for 15 years, but has faced months of pressure from party colleagues to resign after being accused of a bumbling response to a police scandal.