Micheál Martin Given Seal Of Office from President Higgins

TDs are now debating his appointment ahead of formal votes around lunchtime.

Micheál Martin is the new Taoiseach after getting his seal of office from President Michael D Higgins.

He's now in government buildings where the TDs who will be cabinet ministers in his government are being informed of their roles.

93 TDs voted in favour of Micheál Martin becoming Taoiseach this afternoon - all of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party as well as 9 Independents.

During his acceptance speech Micheál Martin noted it is an historic day, and said the new government has much work to do.

Fine Gael's Helen McEntee is set to become Justice Minister.

Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan have been picking their Ministers this afternoon after the Fianna Fáil leader was named Taoiseach.

The big promotion of the afternoon appears to be Helen McEntee who is set to become Justice Minister.

McEntee is well regarded in Fine Gael and was praised for her role as Junior Minister for European Affairs.

Simon Coveney and Paschal Donohoe will keep their current jobs

While Heather Humphreys is likely to become Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister- with Simon Harris slated for a move to Social Protection.

His constituency colleague Stephen Donnelly has been seen entering government buildings and could possibly replace Harris in health.

Fianna Fáil Deputy leader Dara Calleary and Finance Spokesman Michael McGrath have both got the call up.

Kerry TD Norma Foley could be the bolter to cabinet having been seen heading for the Ministerial corridors and a tip for Education Minister.

Barry Cowen and Darragh O'Brien are both also rumoured to have been given portfolios - with one as housing Minister and the other as chief whip.

The Green Party looks to be as expected with Eamon Ryan taking climate and transport, Catherine Martin as culture and communications minister and Roderic O'Gorman minister for children.

Josepha Madigan looks set to get a Junior Ministry - but her party colleagues Richard Bruton, Michael Creed, Charlie Flanagan and Michael Ring are thought to be heading for the back benches.

Fianna Fails Michael McGrath says the government's entering a period of huge challenge with major decisions to be made:

Chair of Fine Gael's parliamentary party, and Kildare South TD Martin Heydon, thinks the government can be one that lasts:

Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty says the programme for government has failed to deliver on key issues:

Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan was vocally against the deal but she accepts the vote of the party:

There's also plenty of speculation around the breakdown of cabinet Ministries.

It looks as though Fine Gael will retain the finance, foreign affairs, justice and business portfolios.

While Fianna Fáil will take housing, public expenditure and possibly education.

It's expected the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Affairs will be merged and given to Minister Heather Humphreys.

While the climate and transport portfolios will be merged into one controlled by the Green Party.

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