RYAN, SECOND IN LINE FOR U.S. PRESIDENCY, TO STEP DOWN

WASHINGTON: US House of Representatives speaker Paul Ryan, who is second in line for the presidency, on Wednesday announced he will not seek re-election, adding to speculation whether Republicans can retain control of the lower chamber after the midterm congressional elections in November.

Ryan said he wanted to spend more time with his family. “I have accomplished much of what I came here to do, and my kids aren’t getting any younger,” he said at a news conference. “What I realised is if I serve for one more term my kids will only have known me as a weekend dad.”

President Donald Trump said Ryan was a “truly good man”, adding that he will “leave a legacy of achievement that nobody can question.”

Ryan, 48, has been often seen as a stabilising presence in the turbulence brought to the party by Trump. His retirement could result in more such announcements, imperilling the party’s chances in the elections.

His departure will trigger a succession race — House majority leader Kevin Mccarthy and majority whip Steve Scalise, the two senior-most Republicans in the House, are said to be the leading contenders for the post.

Ryan took over the speakership from John Boehner in October 2015, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was his first guest to address a joint session of Congress in June 2016.