Fine Gael members vote 'overwhelmingly' to support coalition deal

Following the result of the vote, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said he was pleased that members voted to deliver a programme for Government 'to secure Ireland's future'. File Picture: Fergal Phillips/Released on behalf of Fine Gael

Fine Gael has "overwhelmingly" voted to ratify the programme for Government after a vote was held on Monday.

Party members had their say with 93.9% voting to accept the programme for Government as agreed between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and Independents last week.

"This means that Fine Gael can now enter Government," said the returning officer and chair of the Fine Gael executive council, Annette Kent.

Following the result of the vote, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said he was pleased that members voted to deliver a programme for Government 'to secure Ireland's future'.

'Absolute determination to deliver

"We will enter this Government with an absolute determination to deliver support for small businesses, more homes and homeownership, and a radically different approach to disability services," said Mr Harris.

"We will always back farmers and rural Ireland. The Fine Gael team will now deliver that agenda in Government."

Monday's vote follows Fianna Fáil's which was held at a special ard fheis on Sunday, where the vast majority of members also backed the programme for Government.

With both parties having accepted the deal, the path is now clear for Micheál Martin to be voted in as the  Taoiseach when the Dáil resumes on Wednesday.

Once appointed, Mr Martin will announce his Cabinet.