Enda Kenny has resigned as Taoiseach and is now leading the government in a caretaker capacity.

He and other ministers will continue to carry out their duties until replacements can be appointed.

As he promised in the Dáil chamber yesterday. and he is required to do under the Constitution, Enda Kenny last night made the short trip from Government Buildings to Aras an Uachtarain and handed in his resignation.

He was required to do so because he no longer had the confidence of a majority of TDs in the Dáil, and because no other candidate had the support they needed to replace him.

Government Statement:

The Taoiseach, Mr Enda Kenny, T.D., has this evening conveyed to the President his resignation from office.

In accordance with the Constitution, the Government and the Taoiseach will continue to carry on their duties until successors have been appointed.

He and his ministers will, however, remain in place in an acting - caretaker - capacity, as is also required by the Constitution, so that Ireland retains a government until a new one is formed.

It’s only the third time in Irish history - and the first time in 24 years - that a Taoiseach has had to resign in such circumstances.

Coalition talks will continue - but while the Dáil will meet again on Tuesday week, it will be April before another candidate has a chance to go to the House and look for support to become Ireland’s next Taoiseach.