Dublin  - Brian Cowen was voted in to replace Bertie Ahern as Irish prime minister in a parliamentary vote on Wednesday.

Cowen, leader of the ruling Fianna Fail party, received 88 votes in favour to 76 against. He was nominated by Ahern, who tendered his own resignation and described Cowen as a "a uniquely well qualified candidate."

Following the vote, the 48-year-old former finance minister was to travel to Aras an Uachtarain, the residence of Irish President Mary McAleese, to receive his seal of office.

Cowen was expected to announce his new cabinet on Wednesday evening.

Ahern handed in his resignation to McAleese Tuesday evening, marking the end of almost 11 years at the helm of Irish politics.

He announced his resignation at the beginning of April amid questions about his personal finances.

Fianna Fail, Ireland's largest political party, has been in power since 1997 and was returned to office last May in a coalition with two small parties and a number of independents. (dpa)