Opposition parties call for general election in wake of Taoiseach's resignation

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the Government should now put its record before the people in a general election

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald. File picture: Niall Carson/PA

There have been fresh calls from the opposition for a general election, as Leo Varadkar defends his decision to step down and have Fine Gael appoint a new Taoiseach.

Taking his final Leaders’ Questions as Taoiseach, Mr Varadkar rejected calls from Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald for a general election, saying that it was not unprecedented for the head of government to be changed mid-term.