The leader of Fine Gael was formally elected Head of Government of Ireland on March 9th.

Mr Kenny's nomination was supported by coalition partners Fine Gael and the Labour party.

The main opposition party, Fianna Fáil, also supported Mr Kenny's nomination: "It is clear Deputy Enda Kenny has been given a mandate by the people to take up the office of Taoiseach", sail Fianna Fáil party leader Micheál Martin.

The incumbent Taoiseach was voted in by a majority of 117 votes to 27 in the Dáil, the Irish Parliament.

Mr Kenny told the chamber he wanted Ireland to be the best small country in the world in which to do business, raise a family, and grow old with dignity and respect.