Taoiseach Simon Harris canvassing voters on St. Stephens Green, Dublin. The Government has defended its spending plans after it was accused of running a "giveaway Budget" ahead of an impending election. Picture date: Wednesday October 2, 2024.(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

Ireland's general election to be called on Friday as Dail sits for final time

by · Irish Mirror

Taoiseach Simon Harris will announce the general election on Friday afternoon, the Irish Mirror understands.

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.

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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. But the Irish Mirror understands this will not happen.

It is understood that Mr Harris will return to Ireland around lunchtime and will call the election on Friday afternoon.

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.

It is expected, however, that the Taoiseach could make a speech.

Political parties are already waiting to launch their campaigns, with politicians saying that they have posters ready to be hung up overnight on Friday.

Several parties will launch their manifestos next week and sent invitations days before the election was called.

The election will be held on Friday November 29.

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