Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald won the highest number of votes for the position of Taoiseach (Prime Minister), but neither she nor the other candidates for the post – Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Green party leader Eamon Ryan – came close to winning a majority.

It was however a historic vote, last night as for the first time in history, someone other than the leader of Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael got the most votes for Taoiseach.

Ms McDonald won the most votes, 45, but with 84 votes against her the Sinn Féin leader, like her competitors, was nowhere near securing a majority.

She won the support of some Independents and the five People Before Profit /Solidarity/Rise TDs, though they earlier made it clear their backing was not intended to strengthen her hand in any negotiations with Fianna Fáil. They continue to push for a left-wing minority government, led by Sinn Féin, insisting that both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael should “step back”.

Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin have agreed to meet next week for exploratory talks.

Mr Varadkar spoke to Mr Martin by phone last night after the Dáil adjourned with little sign the stalemate that has emerged since the general election is likely to be broken in the near future.

The Dáil will now adjourn for two weeks, during which the parties are expected to have further discussions, but Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said he would seek to speak to other parties but firmly ruled out talking to Sinn Féin about a possible coalition.