Enda Kenny unsuccessful in today's vote for Taoiseach

MAYO TD Enda Kenny has been defeated in Dáil Éireann this afternoon in the vote to elect An Taoiseach.

His nomination was rejected by 77 votes to 52. 

Apart from his party members, the acting Taoiseach was supported by Deputy Michael Lowry (Ind.) and Katherine Zappone (Ind.), the latter of whom had indicated she would abstain.

The Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin's nomination for An Taoiseach was rejected by 91 votes to 43.

It is expected the two main parties will continue negotiations until Dáil Éireann meets again next Wednesday.