Micheál Martin nominated as Taoiseach by 95 votes to 76

The Dáil has approved the proposal to nominate Micheál Martin as Taoiseach.

There were 95 votes in favour of the Fianna Fáil leader, with 76 against.

In his speech, Micheál Martin thanked his party, Fine Gael and Regional Independents who "negotiated a Programme for Government in an upfront and honest manner."

"Many parliaments in the world ... have become more angry and divisive," he added.

"They have become forums dominated by the inflated rhetoric of demonstrations, rather than a place where different groups can argue in good faith and respectfully disagree.

"We should never take for granted the freedoms and opportunities secured for us by the generations who sat here before us."

Mr. Martin said that in his view "it is clear that there can be a degree of cynicism towards politics" in the modern world, and that "too often we dismiss the motivation of others, especially those we disagree with."

He said he does not agree with this approach, and that he wants to help build a co-operative Oireachtas focused on "positive discussion."

"I believe in the good faith of those who seek to serve their communities in elective office, and I believe that politics remains a force for good, a force for positive change," he added.