Enda Kenny to resign as Taoiseach this evening

Enda Kenny will resign as Taoiseach of Ireland this evening after his application for reappointment was rejected in the Dáil today.

The applications of Kenny and the three other nominations put forward for the position as Taoiseach – Micheál Martin, Gerry Adams and Richard Boyd Barrett – were all rejected in the Dáil today, so Kenny will remain as caretaker Taoiseach until a new government is formed. Kenny was due to travel to Áras an Uachtaráin once Dáil business had adjourned today to officially tender his resignation and said that he and his colleagues will continue to work in the interests of the people until a new Government is in place. "Let me assure the Irish people that a government remains in place," he said. "I and my Cabinet colleagues will continue to work hard in the best interests of the country and all the people." After adjourning today, the Dáil will resume on March 22.