Ireland's Kenny set to be reappointed PM on Friday

Ireland's parliament is expected to re-appoint Enda Kenny as prime minister on Friday, paving the way for the formation of a minority government to end months of political stalemate.

Kenny has repeatedly failed to get the support of enough deputies to be re-appointed for a second term as taoiseach since a February general election produced an inconclusive result.

But his Fine Gael party last week secured a deal that arch-rivals Fianna Fail would abstain on the parliamentary vote, allowing Kenny to form a minority government.

Some uncertainty remains however as Kenny must however still secure the support of several independent politicians to make up the numbers.

The agreement between the parties means that Fianna Fail will back Fine Gael and independents on key confidence votes in return for having a number of its policies implemented from the opposition benches.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said the arrangement would remain in place at least until the end of 2018 "barring unforeseen accidents or complete negligence in terms of attention to these issues".

The draft plan for government includes a commitment to 6.75 billion euros ($7.7 billion) in additional public spending over the next five years and the suspension of controversial water charges in a concession to Fianna Fail.

Should the numbers stack up in his favour on Friday, Kenny will be the first European prime minister who oversaw a bailout programme and has been returned to power.

Fine Gael, which won 50 seats at the election as against 44 for Fianna Fail, already had the support of two independent lawmakers and requires six more to create the slimmest of majorities in the 158-seat Dail, or lower house of parliament.