Ireland general election date CONFIRMED as Taoiseach Simon Harris sets polling day within weeks
As reported by the Irish Mirror, he will ask President Michael D Higgins to dissolve the Dáil on Friday afternoon.
The general election will be held on Friday November 29, Taoiseach Simon Harris has confirmed.
As reported by the Irish Mirror, he will ask President Michael D Higgins to dissolve the Dáil on Friday afternoon.
He confirmed the date on RTÉ on Wednesday evening.
“As I've said very clearly over the last number of weeks, we wanted to get the Finance Bill passed.
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“It's important that we underpin the budget. We didn't want to be knocking on people's doors until we have tax cuts actually passed into law.
“There's important work to be carried out in the Dáil and the Seanad today and tomorrow.
“It's my intention then to seek dissolution of the Dáil by President Higgins on Friday.
“As I would have discussed with the other coalition leaders, it's my hope that we will have polling day in this country on November 29.
“I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead and asking the people of Ireland for a mandate.
“But it was important to do this, I think, in a way that was respectful, respectful to the budgetary process, respectful to getting the legislation passed and also making sure that this coalition government, which has worked well, could come to an amicable end.
“I think we're now ready to put our case to the people.”
The announcement by the Taoiseach on the Six One news came shortly after Tánaiste Micheál Martin confirmed on Virgin Media that the election would be called on Friday.
The 33rd Dáil will sit for the final time on Thursday, ahead of Taoiseach Simon Harris dissolving the Government on Friday.
Leinster House was nearly empty on Wednesday as politicians are already out on the campaign trail ahead of an election on Friday November 29.
The Taoiseach will travel to Budapest this Thursday morning for an informal meeting of the European Council. He was expected to travel at lunchtime, which led many to speculate that he could call the election before he left.
The Irish Mirror understands that while consideration was given to the Taoiseach travelling to the Áras before going to Budapest, the prospect of announcing an election and immediately hopping on a plane was ultimately decided against.
It is understood that Mr Harris will return to Ireland around lunchtime and will call the election on Friday afternoon. It is understood that the election will be made in "daylight".
The Dáil will not be sitting on Friday, meaning he will not make a speech to politicians before travelling to Áras an Uachtaráin to ask President Michael D Higgins to dissolve the parliament.
The Irish Mirror understands, however, that he may make a speech at Government Buildings before meeting President Higgins.
Political parties are already waiting to launch their campaigns, with politicians saying that they have posters ready to be hung up overnight on Friday.
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