Paul Hosford: Martin describes election as 'greatest honour' but day clouded by party row

Party sources said that while there was sympathy for other party figures who did not get appointed to Cabinet such as Thomas Byrne, Jim O'Callaghan and Anne Rabbitte, there was "shock" and "anger" about Mr Calleary's omission.

Mr Martin told the Dáil that his would be a government focused on rapidly delivering jobs.

Fianna Fáil has returned to power for the first time in nine years, with Michéal Martin officially elected as Taoiseach.

Mr Martin described his election as Taoiseach as "the greatest honour that any Irish person could hope for."