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Enda Kenny announces resignation as Fine Gael leader
Source: Irish Times
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has announced he is stepping down as leader of Fine Gael from midnight.
Mr Kenny made the long-awaited announcement at the weekly meeting of Fine Gael TDs and senators on Wednesday evening, triggering the contest to succeed him.
Minister for Housing Simon Coveney and Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar are seen as the two front-runners.
A new Fine Gael leader will be announced on Friday, June 2nd.
Mr Kenny said he will allow the new leader some time to conduct discussions with Fianna Fáil and the Independents before he will stand aside as Taoiseach.
Read more: http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/enda-kenny-announces-resignation-as-fine-gael-leader-1.3086114
The government currently includes some independents ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_the_32nd_D%C3%A1il ), so the new party leader can't just step straight in as head of government.
