By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA
A general election will be called by the end of the week, Taoiseach Simon Harris has said.
The Fine Gael leader was speaking on his way into Cabinet on Tuesday morning and ahead of the Dáil’s return after the October midterm.
The three leaders of the coalition have agreed to hold an election this year, but a date has not yet been officially announced.
Passing the Finance Bill, which enacts measures announced in Budget 2025, has been cited as a priority before the Dáil is dissolved.
The Bill is expected to pass through the final stages this week.
Mr Harris has suggested the polling date would be on a Friday and said this week that it will be held “this month”.
Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said there are two possible election dates – Friday November 29th or Friday December 6th.
“It’s my expectation that we will have a general election campaign under way by the end of the week,” Mr Harris said on Tuesday.
“We have to do a bit of business this week that is important business, we need to pass the Finance Bill, that’s on track to be passed over the course of the next 48 hours or so.”
He said other legislation, such as the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Bill and the Appropriation Bill which ensures the country has enough money to keep on running, will also need to be allowed pass.
“Once that’s out of the way, I do intend to seek a dissolution of the Dáil this week,” Mr Harris said. “I don’t think that will come as a shock to any person right across this country.
“That will provide a period of time in which we can have an election campaign and invite the people of Ireland to give their verdict on the next number of years.
“And then hopefully give time over the Christmas period and the time ahead for, whatever verdict those people give, for those parties to engage in how to form government.
“I’m really looking forward to the weeks ahead. This is a great country, it can be even better. We now have significant resources at our disposal, we have significant policies and plans.
“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.”
Mr Harris is due to travel to Budapest for a meeting of EU leaders on Friday where the conflict in the Middle East, the safety of Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon, and the outcome of the US presidential election are to be discussed.
Also speaking on his way into Cabinet on Tuesday, Mr Martin said: “It is our expectation that it will be dissolved this week. I think that’s not exactly a secret at this stage, I think all parties are now preparing for a general election.”
Green Party leader and Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman said the Taoiseach “didn’t inform us of his plans” on what day this week the election would be called.
“I’m hoping for an election on November 29, and that would require a dissolution this week.
“I think the very latest is Friday so that’s what I’m hoping to see.”
