Leo Varadkar: Fine Gael have 'strong mandate' to enter government after party vote

Meanwhile, counting is still ongoing with Fianna Fáil the Green Party.

Leo Varadkar said: "Fine Gael is going to enter a third term of government, and this new coalition, united and strong and up for the challenge."

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has expressed his pleasure that all four sections of the party's electoral college approved of the proposed programme for government.

Fine Gael's Parliamentary Party, Council of Local Representatives, Constituency Delegates and Executive Council all approved of the deal which would see them go into government with Fianna Fáil and the Green Party.