Enda Kenny has been voted Taoiseach. It is the first time in the history of the State that a Fine Gael leader, having been Taoiseach, has immediately returned to power after an election.

However, far from representing a personal victory for the long-standing Mayo TD, the news will come as a complete anti-climax, given Fine Gael’s less than impressive performance in the election. Kenny was elected at 2.30 this afternoon, with 59 in favour and 49 against. Fianna Fáil abstained in the vote, thus facilitating the formation of a minority government.

Following his election, the Dáil was adjourned for three hours to allow the newly-elected old Taoiseach to travel to Áras an Úachtaráin. In his acceptance speech, the Fine Gael leader promised to oversee the implementation of the programme for government that had been agreed between the various political forces. He acknowledged that the new situation would be a major challenge for all of the members of the houses of the Oireachtas. He also promised to “oversee political reform.”

There was no surprise when Kenny was supported by Katherine Zappone and Michael Lowry. His election was also supported by Waterford TD John Halligan, Longford-Westmeath TD Kevin “Boxer” Moran, Dublin Rathdown TD Shane Ross, Galway East TD Sean Canney and Dublin Bay North TD Finian McGrath, as well as two of the 'rural alliance' TDs – Roscommon-South Leitrim TD Denis Naughten and Clare TD Michael Harty.

Michael Fitzmaurice, Noel Grealish and Maureen O'Sullivan abstained in the vote.

Outgoing Tánaiste Joan Burton informed the Dáil that the Labour Party would be voting against the election of Mr Kenny as Taoiseach. She added that, during the course of the new Dáil, Labour would, on a case-by-case basis, support proposals as they see fit.

Hot Press understands that Fine Gael will offer three Cabinet seats and a super junior minister to the Independents, with Denis Naughton, Katherine Zappone, Shane Ross and Finian McGrath the most likely beneficiaries.

“It will be very interesting to see who is given the Arts portfolio,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said. “The hope is that it will go to someone with a real passion and enthusiasm for the arts and for culture. It will be important to have strong voice around the cabinet table, in what could yet prove to be a very difficult period politically."