Leo Varadkar officially confirmed as Ireland's new Taoiseach

Leo Varadkar has been officially elected as Ireland's new Taoiseach, winning out a vote by 57 to 50, with 47 abstentions today at Leinster House.

The new Fine Gael leader was nominated by outgoing Taoiseach Enda Kenny to be the country's new leader in the Mayo man's last act as the head of State, describing the incoming Varadkar as representing a 'modern, diverse and inclusive Ireland'.

"The country as we know it would not be here today if it was not for Enda Kenny," noted Mr Varadkar following the vote.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin welcomed the new Taoiseach into his role, outlining how it was a special day for his family, but Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams immediately went on the offensive against the new man in charge, stating that he feared that Mr Varadkar would pull Fine Gael's policies towards the left and also criticised his performance as Health Minister and Social Protection Minister.

“I hope the new Taoiseach does not repeat that mistake. I think he is a decent man. I wish him well,”

Mr Varadkar is expected to reshuffle his cabinet following the appointment, and he will let new ministers know of their role between 4pm and 6pm. He will then introduce his new cabinet to the Dáil at 6pm this evening.