Leo Varadkar has failed in his bid to be re-elected as Taoiseach and is expected to resign later today.
But the outgoing leader will carry on in a caretaker role until a successor can be found.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan were all nominated for the role, however none of the leaders emerged with a majority vote.
Ms McDonald emerged as the most popular candidate with 45 TDs backing her.
However, 84 TDs voted in opposition with 29 TDs abstaining.
Mr Varadkar secured 36 votes in favour of him becoming taoiseach, while 107 TDs voted in opposition.
Mr Martin secured 41 votes in support, with 97 TDs voting against him.
Mr Ryan received 12 votes in support and 115 votes in opposition.
Mr Varadkar will travel to the Aras an Uachtarain to resign from office, however he will continue to carry out his duties as Taoiseach in a caretaker capacity until a new taoiseach is appointed.
He told the Dail: “The responsibility is on all of us to ensure we provide good government, and indeed good opposition.
“I think the onus is on those who have made enormous promises of change to the people during this election who are entrusted with that mandate to bring a programme of government for approval.
“If they cannot, they should say so and be upfront and honest about their failures and the empty promises they made.”
He said he will travel to Washington DC for the traditional St Patrick’s Day events.
Mr Martin accused Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald of using “populist tropes” as she accused them of failing to speak to her in government formation talks.
“Every party and deputy elected to this house has a right and a duty to represent the mandate they received. In order to deliver functioning government, compromises have to be made and this is something we have been attacked for.
(Image: PA)
“Demanding that others stay quiet as others abandon their core beliefs in order to grab power is notsomething we agree with.
“Whether or not you agree with Fianna Fail, we fought this election based on a clear set of principles and policies and that includes legitimate behaviour in a democratic republic.”
Mr Martin says he rejects Sinn Fein’s manifesto promises of increasing taxes on businesses and too many incompatibilities exist between the two parties.
Ms McDonald told the Dail: “Today for the first time a nominee other than Fianna Fail or Fine Gael has garnered the greatest number of votes. Perhaps that makes us winners again.
“I still we still live rent free in Micheal Martin’s narrow and bitter mind.
“Change means a secure roof over people’s heads, not having their adult children living in the box rooms.
“Change means you know you have enough to get by. Changes means dealing with the climate emergency. Change means the old order must pass.
“A vote for Sinn Fein was for a different government that would have the courage and energy to actually do things differently.”
