DUBLIN: Ireland?s scandal-hit deputy prime minister resigned on Tuesday in a move that is likely to avert a government collapse and snap election that could have threatened crucial Brexit negotiations between Britain and the European Union.
A government source confirmed reports that Frances Fitzgerald would step down, as demanded by opposition parties after the release of fresh documents about her disputed handling of a police whistleblower who alleged corruption in the force.
Fianna Fail, the main opposition party that props up Fine Gael Prime Minister Leo Varadkar?s minority government, said her resignation should mean a December election would be avoided. It had warned it might force a snap poll if Fitzgerald refused to quit.