Micheál Martin throws in the towel in bid to be elected next Taoiseach

Fianna Fáil's conceded defeat in their efforts to form a minority government.

Update 10.05pmFianna Fáil has agreed to reconvene talks with Fine Gael on the formation of a minority Government.

In a statement tonight a spokesperson Fianna Fáil commented: "Tonight's meeting of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party agreed that its negotiating team will reconvene talks with Fine Gael with a view to facilitating the establishment of a Fine Gael-led minority Government."