Enda Kenny loses on third round for being voted Taoiseach

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has picked up an additional vote for Taoiseach, Independent TD Katherine Zappone

The Dublin South-West deputy was one of only two Independents who have voted for Mr Kenny, the other being Tipperary TD Michael Lowry.

Mr Lowry who has not been involved in government formation talks voted for Mr Kenny last week as well. He has said he is supporting his former party colleague "in the national interest" because Fine Gael is the largest party.

Ms Zappone is a new TD, elected this year having previoulsy been appointed to the Seanad by Mr Kenny in 2011.

Mr Kenny has now lost the vote to become Taoiseach for a third time.

The result of the vote for Mr Kenny's nomination as Taoiseach was 52 in favour and 77 against.

Fiollowing Mr Kenny's failure Fioanna Fáil leader Micheal Martin also lost his bid to become Taoiseach losing by 43 for to 91 against.

Mr Martin failed to attract any more Independents than Deputy Kenny.

The result comes after Mr Martin gave Independent TDs a final ultimatum to support him in a minority government last night.

However, TDs voted in favour of adjourning the Dáil until next Wednesday with Fianna Fáil deputies voting along with Fine Gael.

The motion was was passed 100 to 55.