The General Election 2024 has been called. Cue: posters, TikToks, door knocks, promises, debates, badges and the big countdown
General Election 2024 has been called: What happens now?
Taoiseach Simon Harris says he intends to dissolve the Dáil this Friday in anticipation of a general election on November 29.
The move ends weeks of speculation about the date of the election.
Speaking on RTÉ News, Mr Harris said: “We wanted to get the Finance Bill passed, it’s important that we underpin the budget. We don’t want to be knocking on people’s doors until we have tax cuts actually passed into law.
“There is 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 and as I would have discussed with the other coalition leaders, it’s my hope that we will have polling day in this country on the 29th of November.
“I’m looking forward to the weeks ahead and I’m asking the people of Ireland for a mandate.”
Mr Harris said it was important to announce the election in a way “that was respectful to the budgetary process”, getting legislation passed and ensuring the coalition Government “could come to an amicable end”.
“I think we’re now ready to put our case to the people and I very much look forward to putting my case to the people in the weeks ahead.”
It is the constitutional responsibility for Taoiseach Simon Harris to travel to Aras an Uachtarain and seek a dissolution of the Dail from the president.
On Wednesday evening, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said that will happen on Friday.
Speaking to Virgin Media News, Mr Martin said: “It is my understanding that it will be called on Friday and we’re looking forward to it.
He added: “It will be on Friday.”
Mr Martin’s comments come after senior Government figures faced weeks of questioning on when the election would be called and held.
Last month, the Green’s Roderic O’Gorman was the first coalition leader to publicly state a preference for an election date of November 29.
