Ireland's two main parties agree framework for minority government

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny speaks to the media at the general election count centre in Castlebar, Ireland February 27, 2016. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Acting Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny took a major step towards forming a new government after nine weeks of deadlock on Friday when he secured the agreement of the country's second largest party to facilitate a minority administration.

Under the deal Fianna Fail will abstain in key votes, leaving Kenny's Fine Gael just six votes short of the 58 needed to pass legislation. The party has been in talks with independents for weeks and senior members have voiced confidence they can secure their backing.