Enda Kenny has tonight opened the door to a coalition with other parties - potentially including Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin.
In a statement tonight, the Taoiseach says Fine Gael is determined to play its part in giving Ireland a stable government.
He said the party "will engage fully and inclusively with other parties, groups and independent deputies" to ensure that a Government is established.
Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly reports:
Enda Kenny's statement in full:
The Fine Gael members of the Cabinet met this morning to review the general election.
Despite the disappointing outcome of the election, which did not return the outgoing Fine Gael – Labour Government, Fine Gael will be the largest group in the new Dáil and we are determined to play our part in providing the Irish people with a Government committed to working on their behalf.
We will engage fully and inclusively with other parties, groups and independent deputies to ensure that such a Government is established.
Following our meeting today, we will continue our internal party discussions with the incoming Fine Gael Parliamentary Party on Thursday. In consultation with our elected representatives, we will formulate a set of principles that will guide Fine Gael participation in a future government. These principles will take account of the issues of concern that were highlighted and prioritised by the Irish people during the election campaign.
We look forward to discussing these and other ideas with the other parties and groups in a new Dáil that reflects the changed circumstances following the election.
