Following a morning of frantic negotiations it seems some members of both the rural alliance and the independent alliance grouping have withdrawn their support for Kenny’s nominations for Taoiseach to be voted on imminently.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that Independent Alliance member Michael Fitzmaurice was negotiating on planning an exemption for turf cutting from planning regulations which was the final issue to secure his support. He has since withdrawn his support.

Meanwhile Rural Alliance TD Michael Collins of Cork West has just told C103 radio in Cork that he has withdrawn his support and will not be supporting Enda Kenny’s nomination. He will go into opposition.

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Sean Canney, Galway East TD, is also understood to have unresolved issues.

The vote for Taoiseach has now commenced with chief whip Paul Kehoe on his feet. There is still doubt as to its outcome.

Pat O'Toole contributed reporting to this story