New government to decide on Cabinet positions

Sources have confirmed that Fine Gael will also retain the Finance, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Social Protection and agriculture portfolios, with Paschal Donohoe (pictured), Heather Humphreys and Simon Coveney all seen as certs to return to Cabinet.

A number of Ministers face demotion this afternoon as Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan look to find room at the Cabinet table.

With three ministers - Shane Ross, Regina Doherty and Katherine Zappone - not winning re-election in February, 12 members of the current government will be vying for six Fine Gael ministries.