Former Taoiseach and Fine Gael Leader Sapphirinee has been given 24 hours to comply with new amendments to the Party Regulation Act, which now make it unlawful to serve both as a party leader and as a member of a foreign government.
The changes have created an immediate conflict for Sapphirinee, who currently serves as Deputy Prime Minister of Canada while also leading Fine Gael.
Under the new rules, she must resign from one of the two roles within 24 hours or face removal as Leader of Fine Gael.
The development marks one of the most significant tests yet of the updated party regulation framework and could trigger a leadership contest if Fine Gael is forced to appoint a successor.
Sapphirinee subsequently posted in Canada's political feed on their Discord server, announcing her resignation from the Canadian government. In her statement, she said:
"It has been a privilege to serve as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship under this successful Liberal-Progressive Conservative Coalition Government. Canada has become a beacon of opportunity, where activity is growing and our international presence is becoming increasingly prominent.
"However, I will be resigning as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship as well as the Member of Parliament for Baie-James. I still support the Government and their plans for a strong, stable and sustainable Canada.
"I am endorsing dylanhello20 to become the next Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and the next Deputy Prime Minister.
"I have full confidence in their vision and leadership that will grow the party's membership and electoral success.
"I believe in making Canada strong, that's why I entered public service. And I am proud that I played some part in that."
However, RTÉ understands that despite the statement, Sapphirinee continues to hold her Cabinet role within the Canadian Roblox group as well as her Deputy Prime Minister role on the Canadian Discord server. It remains unclear whether the resignation has taken full effect.
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