Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has today (Thursday, January 23) been elected Taoiseach to lead the new government in the 34^th Dáil.

The election of a Taoiseach and the appointment of Cabinet ministers was due to take place yesterday but proceedings had to be abandoned due to a row over speaking rights.

The Dáil was adjourned on four separate occasions by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy as tensions ran high over the opposition's unhappiness at the speaking rights being afforded to four Regional Independent Group TDs.

There was also disagreement from the opposition about the Dáil not sitting again for a fortnight while ministers acquaint themselves with their portfolios.

The Ceann Comhairle said she would seek senior legal advice but the Regional Independent Group would not be recognised today.

Micheál Martin was nominated for Taoiseach by the youngest Fianna Fáil TD Albert Dolan. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald was nominated for the position by her party colleague Mairéad Farrell.

Following a full vote, Martin was elected in the Dáil a short time ago with 95 votes in favour and 76 against.

It is the second time Martin will hold the highest government office in the country, replacing Fine Gael leader Simon Harris who now takes up the role of Tánaiste.

Martin has been a TD for Cork South-Central since 1989, served as Taoiseach from 2020 to 2022, and has been leader of Fianna Fáil since 2011.

Following November's general election, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael agreed to form a government, with support from a number of independent TDs.

Under the new programme for government, Micheál Martin will hold the office of Taoiseach until November 16, 2027 when the position will rotate to the leader of Fine Gael, Simon Harris.

Micheál Martin will now travel to Áras an Uachtaráin to be formally appointed to the office of Taoiseach by President Michael D Higgins.

He will then return to Leinster House when the new Cabinet line-up of ministers will be finalised.

Of the 15 ministerial portfolios on offer, Fianna Fáil will take 8 positions and Fine Gael will hold 7.

There has been much speculation as to who will take up the roles, including at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Last week, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Martin Heydon refused to be drawn on the speculation.

The Kildare South Fine Gael TD, who currently has responsibility for new market development, farm safety, and research and development, has been widely tipped to take the top job in Agriculture House.

There is also much discussion if the current Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Donegal Fianna Fáil TD Charlie McConalogue will continue to hold a position in Cabinet.

A formal announcement on the make-up of the new Cabinet will be made later today before the Dáil then goes into recess and will not sit again until February 5.