David Cameron welcomes Enda Kenny to 10 Downing Street in November 2015 Jonathan Brady / PA Archive/PA Images Jonathan Brady / PA Archive/PA Images / PA Archive/PA Images

Updated 9.30pm

TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY today announced he would step down as leader of Fine Gael at midnight.

He will stay on as Taoiseach until a new party leader is elected, a contest expected to conclude on Friday, 2 June.

Politicians from across the spectrum have been paying tribute to Kenny, who has been a TD since 1975 and is the longest-serving Fine Gael Taoiseach.

Some international leaders have also released statements about Kenny’s departure.

British Prime Minister Theresa May wished Kenny “all the very best”, saying he “has been a strong and consistent friend to the UK”.

May’s predecessor David Cameron said Kenny was “a strong leader for Ireland” and “remains a good friend”.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sent her “best wishes” to Kenny, saying she “enjoyed working with him in the British/Irish Council”, adding: “He has always been a good friend to Scotland”.

Read: From reluctant Taoiseach to reluctant ex-Taoiseach: What is Enda’s political legacy?

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