Latest: Senator James Reilly: Enda Kenny restored Ireland's international reputation

Enda Kenny said it is a milestone day for him as he steps down as Taoiseach this afternoon.

Latest: Senator James Reilly: Enda Kenny restored Ireland's international reputation

Update 11.50am: Senator James Reilly, Former Deputy Leader FG has said the end of every era is always tinged with sadness, but Enda Kenny can look back with pride on what he has achieved.

Dr. Reilly said that Mr Kenny rebuilt the Fine Gael party and, as Taoiseach, rebuilt the country and economy.

In addition, he said, Mr Kenny restored Ireland's international reputation, which had been in tatters, and his work on Brexit is proof of this.

Speaking on Today with Sean O'Rourke, he added that there was a huge amount of lost opportunity during the Celtic Era, that there was a lot of catch up to be done, but that it was being done.

Solidarity TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry, has said that Enda Kenny is leaving behind a society that is 'riven with social inequality.'

Mr Barry said a job today no longer gives you the guarantee of a life free from poverty.

In his constituency, he said, people did not believe Mr Kenny had been a good Taoiseach for the working class.

He said it was clear that Leo Varadkar had a 'distinct, right wing style' and the new cabinet will reflect that.

Michael Ring, Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, said Enda Kenny made difficult decisions as Taoiseach.

He said Mr Kenny had made a major contribution as Taoiseach and he wanted to thank him for that.

Today he said, was the day people should be gracious enough to thank him for his service.

Update 9.15am: Enda Kenny said it is a milestone day for him as he steps down as Taoiseach this afternoon.

He has arrived at government buildings to chair his final cabinet meeting.

Cabinet Ministers have been arriving and praising the Taoiseach for leadership shown during his tenure.

Minister Charlie Flanagan said he had been very privileged to serve in Cabinet under Mr Kenny.

“He was always very collegiate, he was always very mindful of another person’s view. And he was always in good form, I don’t think I have ever seen Enda Kenny in negative mode.”

He also praised him for convening what he called a 'war Cabinet' in 2011 - and fixing the economy.

Earlier: After six years in office, Enda Kenny is today spending his final hours as Taoiseach.

Mr Kenny will chair his final Cabinet meeting this morning and the busy agenda will likely be rounded off with him formally announcing his intention to resign today.

When the Dáil resumes at 2pm he is expected to tell TDs and the nation he is stepping down.

This will likely be followed by short farewell speeches before the House adjourns and he travels to Áras an Uachtarán and resigns.

Attention will then turn to the election of his successor tomorrow and Leo Varadkar's announcement of his new Cabinet.

Many of the current Ministers are expected to remain in place, but change jobs.

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