Irish Premier Bertie Ahern has announced his resignation. He will leave office on May 6.
He made the announcement during a press conference in Dublin called at short notice against the background of continuing controversy over his private financial affairs.
He denied any wrong-doing but said controversy over his financial affairs was diverting attention from the job of governing the country.
"I know in my heart of hearts that I have done no wrong," he said.
He announced his departure on the steps of the Government Buildings, flanked by senior colleagues, including Green Party minister John Gormley.
Mr Ahern, who was the first Irish leader since one of the Republic's founding fathers Eamon De Valera to have been re-elected three times, said his decision was the result of a constant barrage of allegations about his personal finances.
"The decision I am announcing, like all other decisions I have taken in a lifetime in politics, is solely motivated by what is best for the people," he said.
"I have been reflecting upon pursuing this course of action for some time. This is solely a personal decision."
Mr Ahern was adamant that he had nothing to fear from on-going inquiries about his finances at the tribunal into planning corruption.
He said: "I have never accepted a corrupt payment."
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