Leo Varadkar has said he has “no regrets” about standing down, as he officially resigned as Ireland’s premier.
The Dublin politician, who has been Taoiseach for four years, said he was looking forward to a “different chapter”.
Mr Varadkar arrived at the official residence of Irish President Michael D Higgins, Aras an Uachtarain, on Monday, five minutes earlier than scheduled.
Mr Higgins is understood to have greeted Mr Varadkar in the president’s study, where a letter of resignation was handed to the secretary general of the Irish president.
After having some refreshments with Mr Higgins and his wife, Sabina, Mr Varadkar left 45 minutes later.
Mr Varadkar waved to the media before getting into a waiting car, and Mr Higgins waved goodbye as he left.
Mr Varadkar, 45, will remain Taoiseach in a caretaker capacity until a new premier is voted in by Irish parliamentarians.
