Taoiseach Simon Harris has confirmed that the general election will be called later this week.
Speaking outside government buildings this morning, Harris said “I don’t think this will come as a shock to anybody in this country.”
Harris said that once the election is “out of the way”, that he intends “to seek a dissolution of the Dáil this week,” he said.
“Most observers expect the Taoiseach to ask President Higgins to formally dissolve the Dáil on Thursday, clearing the way for an election on Friday November 29th”.
The Taoiseach said that there would be time for a full election campaign this month and that those who emerge victorious would then form a new government during the month of December.
“I’m really looking forward to the weeks ahead,” he said. “This is a great country and it can be even better.
He added, “We now have significant resources at our disposal; we have significant policies and plans and I believe with a mix of energy and experience, we can make really good progress over the next few years on a whole range of issues.”
More to follow