Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin’s nomination for prime minister was also defeated, as was that of Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams.
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Enda Kenny is stepping down as Ireland’s Prime Minister after failing to form a government following last month’s inconclusive general election.
Mr Kenny took to his feet to tell TDs he would be informing President Michael D Higgins of his plan to step down.
“As I said in the Dail last night, all those elected to the 32nd Dail have a responsibility to intensify efforts at the formation of a stable and lasting government that is needed to sustain the progress of recent years and address emerging domestic and global challenges”.
However, the fractured parliament remains intensely divided on the make-up of a new government, if one can be formed at all.
Sinn Fein, the third largest party, has said it will not prop up either of the two.
Analysts have said the clearest option would be for Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to strike a deal together for a minority government or a coalition, but though the two are both centre-right parties they have deep divisions dating back to the 1920s civil war and any agreement between them would be politically hard.
While Mr Kenny said talks will continue next week, he made no reference to any talks with Fianna Fáil.
“It is our job to work in terms of interpreting and reflecting that vote now and we’re doing that in the context of our negotiations with Independents and smaller groupings”.
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Enda Kenny will assume the role in a caretaker capacity while his Fine Gael party attempts to form a new government.
