Outgoing Taoiseach Micheál Martin has thanked his family for their “unfailing advice, support, and encouragement” during his time in office.
Mr Martin tendered his resignation to President Higgins earlier today but returned to Dáil Éireann to reflect on his period as Taoiseach and support the election of Leo Varadkar as his replacement.
“As I finish this term in office, I would like most of all to thank my wife Mary and our family for the unfailing advice, support, and encouragement they have given me,” he said.
“We have been blessed by the wonderful community of Cork, which has looked out for us and given me the strongest possible reassurance that all would be well as I spent so much time away.”
He also thanked TDs, Fianna Fáil activists and his staff for their hard work and support.
Following a vote in the Dáil, Leo Varadkar will travel to Áras an Uachtaráin to be re-appointed as Taoiseach.
The new Cabinet will then be appointed and it will hold its first meeting at the Áras.
