Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar resigned on Thursday, but stayed on as interim leader while the country's three main parties battle out coalition talks after an inconclusive election.

Mr. Varadkar tendered his resignation as taoiseach, or premier, to President Michael Higgins after the first sitting of Ireland's lower house of parliament since an February 8 election which radically recast the political landscape.

"In accordance with the constitution, the taoiseach and the government will continue to carry on their duties until successors have been appointed," a government statement said.

Parties in the 160-seat chamber – the Dail – convened and nominated candidates for the post of taoiseach to lead a new government, but with none commanding a majority it was adjourned until March 5.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald received the most votes, 45, backing her. Iit was far short of the 80 needed to take office but it was a symbolic victory reflecting the surge the nationalist party enjoyed in the election.

Sinn Fein, which once served as the political wing of the paramilitary Irish Republican Army (IRA), became the second biggest party with 37 seats – breaking the historic duopoly of centre-right parties Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

"The people who vote for us aren't going anywhere," said Ms McDonald.

"We have made a commitment to them to represent them well and to make our very best effort to deliver that government of change – and that is precisely what we intend to do," she added.