'We are ready': Irish general election to be called on Friday

The Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) has said the general election in Ireland will be called on Friday.

A general election must be called in the Republic of Ireland before the term ends on March 2025.

Simon Harris, the leader of Fine Gael, told Irish broadcaster RTÉ News that the likely polling day will be Friday 29 November.

"It is my intention to seek the dissolution of the Dáil on Friday, and I hope we have polling day on 29 November," Harris said, before saying "there you go, clarity".

'We are now ready'

The Taoiseach said he had waited until now because he wanted the Finance Bill, which enacts the Budget changes and contains new tax provisions, to be passed.

"It was important to do this in a way that was respectful, respectful to the budgetary process, respectful to getting the legislation passed and also making sure this coalition government, which has worked well, could come to an amicable end and I think we are now ready to put our case to the people in the weeks ahead.

“I look forward to the weeks ahead and asking the people of Ireland for a mandate.”

Harris, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman had previously agreed the passage of the Finance Bill was a priority for the coalition government.