Dail officially dissolved as Ireland prepares for General Election

By Michael Staines NEWSTALK

The President has officially dissolved the 33rd Dáil, paving the way for the General Election to be held on November 29th.

Simon Harris confirmed his intention to seek a dissolution in a speech on the steps of Leinster House this afternoon.

He said “the time is now right to ask the Irish people” to vote – and confirmed the date of the poll.

“I want to start by saying to the people of this great country, this great democracy, you alone are sovereign,” he said.

“You go out and you cast your vote and in return, you're entitled to good government and hard work.”

Mr Harris thanked the Green Party and Fianna Fáil for joining his party in the last Government, adding: "We did not agree on every issue but we did always work hard and together for the good of the Irish people."

He said the "time is now right to ask the Irish people to give a new mandate" to the next Government.

“Over the next three weeks, I will seek a mandate to continue as your Taoiseach and to deliver for you on the things that matter most to you, your family, your community and to our country," he said.

“I want to secure your future.

“Others will, of course, seek alternative mandates and it's vital we have an election that fully considers our very different visions for our country's economic and social future.”

He expressed hope that the election will bring a “safe and respectful campaign for all politicians and all their teams”.

“Finally, I ask just one thing of the Irish people,” he said. “Value your vote; use your voice. That's how this country works.”

Mr Harris made the announcement 57 months to the day since the last General Election was held.

He then travelled to Áras an Uachtaráin where President Michael D Higgins signed the warrant to officially dissolve the 33rd Dáil.

Several parties, including Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, the Green Party and Labour, have already launched their election campaigns – with politicians due to travel the length and breadth of the country over the next three weeks.

Mr Harris is expected to attend this evening’s rugby match between Ireland and New Zealand and spend some time this afternoon campaigning in Dublin West and Dublin Mid-West.