Claire Grady the first female editor of the Irish Independent has confirmed that she intends to step down from her role and "is leaving INM with immediate effect".

In a statement Stephen Rae, editor in chief INM, said: "I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Claire Grady for her work as Editor of the Irish Independent."

“Claire was the first female editor at the Irish Independent and played a major role in developing the title and in leading the rollout of the new production system at the title. We wish her the very best with her future plans,” he added.

Mr Rae described Ms Grady on her appointment in August 2013 as as “one of the outstanding journalists of her generation”.

Ian Mallon, group head of news, will take on the editor's role in the Irish Independent on an interim basis. A recruitment process to appoint a new editor will now begin INM said and the position will be advertised shortly.

Mr Mallon, a long-term associate of Mr Rae, is seen as a early front-runner for this position.

There are a number of other award-winning experienced journalists within the group who may also be considered for the job along with external candidates.