FINE Gael leader Enda Kenny has been re-elected as Taoiseach by the 31st Dáil.
It follows a vote in Leinster House this afternoon that saw Mr Kenny secure the vote by a margin of 59 votes to 49.
Mr Kenny's re-election marks the first time a Fine Gael politician will serve a second term as leader of the state.
The Dáil has been suspended until 5.30pm this evening as Mr Kenny travels to Áras an Úachtaráin to inform President Michael D Higgins of his election.
He will return to Leinster House later to formally appoint his government.
The decision on a Taoiseach comes 10 weeks after the general election, which failed to elect a majority party.
Negotiations have been ongoing in the Dáil as Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, the two parties that gained the most votes, attempted to gain the support of the independents and smaller parties to form a government.
Irish Twitter users have been reacting to the news
By 59 votes to 49 Enda Kenny is re-elected Taoiseach, the first FG leader ever to have that honour #iestaff
— McConnellDaniel (@McConnellDaniel) May 6, 2016
Imagine waiting 70 days for anything and ending up with #endakenny
*shudders*— Baz (@bazlyons) May 6, 2016
Enda Kenny re-elected as Taoiseach despite 75% of the country voting otherwise, democracy at it's finest.
— Aoibhán Munster (@aoibhanmunster) May 6, 2016
Despite Enda Kenny becoming taoiseach,I believe its the beginning of the end of conservative rule in Ireland. People are starting to wake up
— Seán Carey (@seanogcarey) May 6, 2016
Well done @EndaKennyTD nobody else fit for the job
— James Smith (@jamessm97275292) May 6, 2016
