By David Young, PA
The Taoiseach has said he expects to call a general election before the end of the year.
Simon Harris told reporters in Dublin on Sunday that the poll would happen in 2024.
His comments end any remaining doubts over whether Mr Harris might wait until next February to hold the election.
Any poll must be held before March 22nd.
Fine Gael leader Mr Harris will meet his fellow coalition leaders, Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin and the Green Party’s Roderic O’Gorman, on Monday to discuss the date of the poll.
The Taoiseach said he wanted to see some key pieces of outstanding legislation passed before he sought the dissolution of the Dáil, and also wanted his Government to set in place new house-building targets for 2025.
But he added: “It is my expectation now that there will be a general election in 2024.
“It is my prerogative obviously under the constitution to seek that dissolution, I’ve been very clear though that I am going to do it in a respectful manner. I’ve no wish to surprise my coalition colleagues.
“The Government works well and I want it to come to an amicable end and 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.”
On Friday, Mr O’Gorman told reporters he thought the election should be held on November 29th.
He said Government leaders needed to provide the public with clarity.
The head of the Green Party said it was his preference to hold the poll before Christmas.
He was the first leader of the coalition parties to put forward a date, telling reporters in Dublin: “I think the 29th is the date to go.”
Last week, Mr Martin signalled a willingness to back an election before the end of the year, as long as priority legislation was passed before the Dáil was dissolved.
The Fianna Fáil leader had previously said his preference was for a February election date.
