Latest: Leo Varadkar denies 'stroke politics' over appointment of Máire Whelan

Latest: The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says he wishes his first few days in office had not been overshadowed by controversy over the appointment of the Attorney General as a judge.

Update 4.51pm: The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says he wishes his first few days in office had not been overshadowed by controversy over the appointment of the Attorney General as a judge.

However, Mr Varadkar says he fully stands by the appointment of Máire Whelan which was completed this morning.