Today, Enda Kenny stepped down as Taoiseach.

After months of speculation, Kenny recently resigned as leader of the Fine Gael party, leaving the way open for a leadership contest. That was fought between Leo Varadker and Minister for Housing Simon Coveney, with Leo Varadker coming out on top. His name will now be put before the Dáil tomorrow as the replacement for Kenny.

Kenny’s career has been an extraordinary journey. Born into a political dynasty in 1951 – his father Henry Kenny was TD for Mayo West until his death in 1975 – he became a TD in the ensuing by-election at the age of just 24. He has had an unbroken run since, spending all of 42 years in public service as a member of the Dáil.