Following the election , Fine Gael received 50 seats , 29 short of an overall majority . Preliminary discussions took place with Leader of the Opposition Mícheál Martin , in order to agree on an arrangement to support either Kenny , Fine Gael or under a new leader to remain in government . On 10 March 2016 , Kenny resigned as Taoiseach , after failing to win enough votes to be elected for a second term . He and the cabinet continued in a caretaker capacity until a new government was formed
Preliminary discussions
2016 Irish government formation
Enda Kenny