In a speech Sunday evening, Sapphirinee conceded the April 2026 General Election to the Social Democrats on behalf of Fine Gael.
The election, which resulted in Fine Gael placing a distant second behind the Social Democrats, was the worst result for the party under Sapphirinee's leadership since her election in August 2025.
Sapphirinee promptly announced her intention to resign as leader of her party, setting an unclear timetable for her departure, but stating that the weeks following the General Election would serve as a reflection period for her and her party.
Sapphirinee has served as Fine Gael leader since August 2025 and served as Taoiseach from December 2025 to February 2026.