Simon Harris indicates General Election will be held in 2024

The Taoiseach's comments come as the three coalition leaders are due to meet on Monday

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he expects the General Election will take place in 2024.

Speaking to reporters today at an event to mark the 60th anniversary of the Ski Club of Ireland at their ski slope in Kilternan Co Dublin, the Fine Gael leader said he believes there "will be a General Election soon".

While it is the constitutional prerogative of the Taoiseach to decide the date of the general election, Mr Harris has said he will consult the coalition leaders in advance of any announcement.

READ MORE: Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman calls for November 29 election

READ MORE: General election speculation spikes as Tanaiste opens door to pre-Christmas poll

He said: "It is my expectation now that there will be a General Election in 2024. It is my prerogative under the Constitution to seek that dissolution.

"I have been very clear though that I want to do it in a respectful manner. I have no wish to surprise my coalition colleagues this government works well and I want it to come to an amicable end

"Then I am really looking forward to seeking a mandate from the people of this country and asking them to allow me to continue as their Taoiseach."

The Taoiseach's comments come ahead of a meeting with his Coalition leaders, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman, on Monday where they are expected to agree to a pre-Christmas election.

Speculation in Leinster House reached fever pitch this week, with many politicians suggesting that the election will be held on November 29.

Speaking in Cork recently, Micheál Martin said there will be clarity on the election date “this week”.

He would not be drawn on November 29, but restated that there is a possibility of having a pre-Christmas election if all required legislation is passed.

"I would agree that there's a need for clarity at this stage, but I think that this is something that we can deal with next week," he told reporters.

“I'm not going to get into specific dates. I think I've already made my position known earlier in the week in terms of the next general election.

“I think it was important we got our planning legislation through. I'm delighted we got the gambling legislation through, which was a huge effort by Minister James Browne.

“I always felt we needed to get work done before the general election because we're here to represent people.

“Now, the finance bill has to get done, and it has to be done properly. That's the only issue, it seems to me, if [Minister for Children] Roderic [O'Gorman] is anxious to get it early.

“Obviously the Taoiseach will have a view as well. But to me, the finance bill is key, and that puts flesh on the bone of the budget.”

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