Enda Kenny is stepping down as Ireland's Prime Minister after failing to form a government following last month's inconclusive general election.

His Fine Gael/Labour coalition will continue as a caretaker government as political parties remain in deadlock.

On the first day of the 32nd Irish parliament (Dáil), Kenny and three other candidates - Fianna Fail's Micheal Martin, Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams and Richard Boyd-Barrett of Anti-Austerity Alliance/People Before Profit - failed to win enough support to be the next Taoiseach.

Kenny then travelled to Aras an Uachtarain, the official residence of Irish President Michael D Higgins, to tender his resignation.

"Let me assure the Irish people that a government remains in place," he said.

"I and my cabinet colleagues will continue to work hard in the best interests of the country and all the people."

Kenny won the support of 57 deputies - far short of the 80 needed in the 158-seat chamber.

He will carry on as caretaker PM, as coalition talks continue to form a new government.

No party has anywhere near a majority, and ministers concede it may be weeks, possibly months, before a minority government or power-sharing alliance is agreed.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, the two largest parties, are under pressure to set aside their age-old rivalry to form a grand coalition.

Sinn Fein, the third largest party, says it will not prop up either party.

Kenny called for politicians to boost efforts to forge a "lasting and durable government".

But Martin said: "The people didn't vote for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael - I think we must acknowledge that."

In the election on 26 February, Fine Gael won 50 seats, Fianna Fail got 44, and Sinn Fein 23.

(Sky News)