Irish Examiner view: Jacinda Ardern is going as she governed, with wisdom and honesty

New Zealand's prime minister has led with authority and empathy during some of the country's most challenging times

Jacinda Ardern led New Zealand through awful events including the racist mass murder of 51 people at two mosques in 2019, and the Christchurch earthquake in 2011. Picture: Rick Rycroft/AP

Jacinda Ardern’s declaration that she is to step down as prime minister of New Zealand early next month has taken political observers in her home country and around the world by surprise.

Ardern came to particular prominence following her leadership of New Zealand through the pandemic, when she pursued a zero-Covid policy which was initially praised but later abandoned in the face of mounting opposition. Both her popularity and that of her Labour Party have sunk in recent polls, but she retains a strong following in New Zealand.