The foreign minister and deputy prime minister of Ireland, Eamon Gilmore, says he's quitting as leader of the Labour Party after a terrible showing in local and European elections.
Gilmore announced on Monday he would resign rather than face a no-confidence vote among Labour MPs. He said he would remain until Labour elects his replacement.
Ireland's two-party government faces a heavy cabinet reshuffle following the announcement combined with weak election results for the larger government party, Fine Gael led by Prime Minister Enda Kenny.
Center-right Fine Gael and left-wing Labour formed a coalition with an unprecedented majority in 2011, when voters punished the previous government for leading Ireland to the brink of bankruptcy.
Voters deserted Labour in Friday's voting in favour of opposition politicians promising an end to austerity.
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