November 8, 2024: Taoiseach Simon Harris at Áras an Uachtaráin in Dublin, asking President Michael D. Higgins to dissolve the current Dáil Eireann.RollingNews.ie

Ireland's General Election for 2024 has officially kicked off after President Michael D. Higgins dissolved the current Dáil Eireann at the request of Taoiseach Simon Harris.

As per Irish law, the same Dáil shall not continue for longer than five years from the date of its first meeting. As such, the current 33rd Dáil must be dissolved by the President of Ireland at the request of the Taoiseach no later than February 19, 2025, and a general election must be called by March 22, 2025.

After weeks of speculation and hints, the Taoiseach told RTÉ News on Wednesday that he intended to dissolve the Dail on Friday.

In an address in Dublin this morning, Taoiseach Simon Harris said he would be traveling to Áras an Uachtaráin to advise President Michael D. Higgins to dissolve the Dáil and to allow the General Election to be held on Friday, November 29.

President Higgins, in turn, signed the warrant to dissolve it shortly after 2 pm local time today.

In his remarks in Dublin, the Taoiseach said to the people of Ireland: "You alone are sovereign. You go out and you cast your vote, and in return, you're entitled to good government and hard work."

The Taoiseach said he believes the Government made "real progress for our country." He thanked his colleagues in Fianna Fáil and the party's coalition partners in Fine Gael and the Green Party.

He went on to say that the Government delivered five "progressive" budgets and is "delivering new homes across our country, and it has built up the finances and the plans to deliver the homes that our people need in the future."

He continued: "The time is now right to ask the Irish people to give a new mandate. Ireland is a country of industry, of enterprise, of agriculture and education, community, culture, and compassion.

"On the international stage, we are a country of conscience, a country that believes in international law. The voices of our more than five million citizens are listened to.

"Because of our track record and moral compass, seen most clearly in the recognition of the state of Palestine in May. We are a small country with a big influence all over the world.

"And we have many assets, but no asset more valuable than our people. Irish people are decent, they're hardworking, they're fair. And it is the honour of my lifetime to serve as your people."

He added that over the next three weeks, he will seek a mandate to continue as Ireland's Taoiseach.

He acknowledged that others will seek "alternative mandates," and that it's "vital" that the upcoming election "fully considers our very different visions for our country's economic and social future."

He added: "This election must be a safe and respectful campaign for all politicians and all their teams. And I wish all candidates luck."

Concluding, he said: "Value your vote. Use your voice. That's how this country works. It's how we listen. It's how we act on your behalf.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if you give me your trust, I will give you my all."

Read more

Later, Darragh O’Brien TD, Ireland's Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, made an order appointing Friday, November 29 as polling day with polling hours from 7 am to 10 pm.

To stand for election to Dáil Éireann, a candidate must be a citizen of Ireland and at least 21 years of age by polling day.

A person may nominate himself or herself as a candidate or, with his or her consent, may be nominated by a person who is registered as an elector in the constituency concerned.

A candidate not in possession of a certificate of political affiliation (confirmation that a person is a candidate of a political party registered in the Register of Political Parties) must have their nomination completed using either of the following options: by way of assents requiring the completion of statutory declarations by 30 assentors (registered electors) in the relevant Dáil constituency, or by way of the candidate, or someone on his or her behalf, lodging a deposit of €500 with the returning officer.

The latest time for receiving nominations is 12 noon on Saturday, November 16.

Candidates may withdraw their nominations up to 12 noon on Monday, November 18.

To be eligible to vote, a person must be 18 years of age or over on or before polling day and be ordinarily resident in the constituency in which they wish to vote. They must also be included on the Register of Electors.

Every person who is an Irish or British citizen and is included in the register of electors is entitled to vote at the General Election; over 3.5 million people are currently entitled to vote at Dáil elections.

Voters are encouraged to check that their details are correct and up-to-date at CheckTheRegister.ie.

Ireland's last general election was held on February 8, 2020. Fianna Fáil (38 seats), Sinn Féin (37 seats), and Fine Gael (35 seats) emerged as the top three parties; 80 seats are needed to form a coalition government. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael ultimately formed a coalition with The Green Party.

Earlier this year, Ireland went to the polls for local, European, and Mayor of Limerick elections. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael won the most seats, though both parties lost seats from the last local elections in 2019.