The final vote in the Dáil finished 88 Tá to 69 Níl.

Mr. Varadkar says the Government he led faced massive challenges.

Simon Harris is due to take the reins from Leo Varadkar next week after the Dáil's Easter break

The new Fine Gael leader is expected to be elected to lead the country in the Dáil next Tuesday.

Some public representatives in Longford, Leitrim and Roscommon were split on who to back earlier today.

Both Fine Gael TDs in the Shannonside Region have rowed in behind Higher Education Minister Simon Harris.

A number of politicians have come out in support of Simon Harris this morning, including Local TD's Peter Burke and Frank Feighan and local Senator Micheal Carrigy.

The Sligo-Leitrim Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan would not be drawn on his own choice, but believes all 6 are strong candidates