Taoiseach Enda Kenny received his seal of office from President Mary McAleese at Áras an Uachtaráin, March 09, 2011.

Enda Kenny has been elected as Taoiseach by members of  Dáil Éireann  -- the 11th holder of the prime ministerial office.

He was supported by a margin of 117 votes to 27 and has received his seal of office from President Mary McAleese.

Fine Gael's Simon Harris, the youngest TD in his party, nominated Enda Kenny for taoiseach and the motion was seconded by Labour’s Waterford TD Ciara Conway.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin supported the nomination, saying he would not back any other person for the position.

The new Taoiseach will return to the Dáil before 5:00 pm to announce the new Cabinet.

In his first Dáil address the Taoiseach said the country was on the threshold of fundamental change.

He said he was entering into a covenant with the public and that honesty was his only policy.

"This is the darkest hour before the dawn."

Speaking this afternoon American Chamber of Commerce chief executive Joanne Richardson said “I would like congratulate Taoiseach, Enda Kenny and all members of the new Government on their election to office. We hope that all members of the 31st Dáil will work together to provide stable and effective leadership as Ireland seeks to address its fiscal challenges and also to repair the international reputation of Ireland as a stable and good place to do business.

“The Government faces many challenges as it seeks to lead Ireland through its current economic difficulties and I would like to assure the Taoiseach of the support of the US Multinational Community in its work to restore economic competitiveness,” she said.