Micheál Martin, who was poised to be elected as Ireland's new Taoiseach today, slammed the chaotic Dáil proceedings as a "subversion of the Irish Constitution."

Two impromptu stand-up press conferences were held on either side of Leinster House around teatime. At the gates of Government Buildings, Simon Harris and Micheál Martin vented about the events of the day, with Harris portraying it as a “political stunt on speed” with Martin going further and claiming it was a “subversion” of the Constitution.

Simon Harris has described Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald’s behaviour in the Dáil as “stunt politics” and “disgraceful”.

The Taoiseach was speaking as members of his Fine Gael party met in Dublin to begin the process of ratifying the draft programme for government

The Dáil witnessed a once-in-a-century failure to nominate a Taoiseach on Wednesday amid chaotic scenes at Leinster House

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin will not become Taoiseach until Thursday after the Dáil was suspended for the day following a row over speaking rights. Follow the action from Leinster House below.

Storm Lowry landed early in Dáil Éireann. And there was a complete pandemonium. The Government knew it was coming but decided it was unimportant. Bad call. It was a miracle the roof stayed on with all the roaring. There were rolling ructions all day in the chamber. Breakaway groups of Opposition TDs formed angry huddles on the chamber floor.

Government leaders have accused the opposition of subverting the constitution following chaotic rows in the Dáil which saw the nomination of Micheál Martin to the taoiseach’s office suspended.

Attempts to nominate a future taoiseach failed on Wednesday after a series of Dáil disruptions over opposition speaking time.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheal Martin, who was poised to become the next taoiseach, called chaotic scenes in the Dail a “subversion of the Irish Constitution”. Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, who is set to become deputy Irish premier, or tanaiste ...

Fianna Fáil TD Jim O’Callaghan is being tipped for a dramatic appointment as justice minister when cabinet roles are announced today.

The Fianna Fáil leader is taoiseach again. Follow here for all the latest developments and updates throughout the day.