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. 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin with Mary Martin pictured leaving Government Buildings before travelling to Aras an Uachtaráin to tender his resignation to President Michael D. Higgins. Photograph: Government Information Service

Reflecting on the challenges he had faced in office, Mr Martin said of the COVID-19 pandemic: “We did not, nor could we, get everything right in responding to the pandemic – but the facts show that Ireland was able to limit the terrible impact of the virus well below that seen in most comparable countries.”

On the subject of Ukraine, Mr Martin said he had been inspired by the resilience of the Ukrainian people and pledged Ireland’s support. 

“The welcome which has been given to tens of thousands of refugees fleeing this war has been wonderful,” he said. 

“It inevitably causes major pressures, but the values which are at stake are much bigger than the sacrifices which we must make while this assault on Ukraine is underway. 

“Undoubtedly one of the most important reasons why the Irish people have reacted with such strength in supporting Ukraine is because they remember our own struggle for independence.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy greets Taoiseach Micheál Martin. PA Photo.

In a nod to the future, Mr Martin said that a new Ireland would involve compromises from all. 

“If there is one thing we should all be able to acknowledge, it is that if we genuinely believe in an Ireland which includes and serves all, then we must be prepared to build new bridges,” he said. 

“We must be prepared to reach across divides and to do the hard work of learning to understand and respect each other far more than we have in the past. 

 “We must stop making assumptions about each other and get to know each other.” 

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.

Main image: Taoiseach Micheál Martin with Mary Martin pictured leaving Government Buildings before travelling to Aras an Uachtarain to tender his resignation to President Michael D.Higgins. Picture by: Government Information Service