Ahern likely to be re-elected Taoiseach - Rabbitte

Pat Rabbitte appeared to concede that Bertie Ahern would become Taoiseach this afternoon as the Labour leader became his party's first Dáil member to be re-elected today.

"I am not sure I am up to speed entirely but I think it does look Mr Ahern will be re-elected Taoiseach when the Dáil resumes,'' he said.

"That is the information I have. It may be a little problematic as the night wears on and not so clear cut.

"But I think Mr Ahern is likely to be re-elected Taoiseach.''

Mr. Rabbitte took the third seat in the Dublin South-West constituency.