The date for the general election is expected to be agreed at a meeting of the coalition party leaders this evening.

Over the weekend, Taoiseach Simon Harris confirmed for the first time that he expects the poll to be held this year.

That came after Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman ramped up the pressure on Friday by saying he wanted the vote to be held on November 29th.

Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman at Government Buildings, 15-10-2024. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

All three coalition leaders have said there's still work for the Government to do before the Dáil can be dissolved – namely the passing of the Finance Bill, revised supplementary budgets for Government Departments and the setting of new housing targets.

That means that, without changes to the current Dáil schedule, a late November election is most likely.

While the Taoiseach alone holds the power to request the Dáil be dissolved, he also has to end on good terms with his Government partners, if they're to hope for another term in office together.

Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys attends a Garda ceremony at Dublin Castle, 25-08-2021. Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire/PA Images

Over the weekend, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphries confirmed she would be retiring from politics ahead of the vote in another major blow for Fine Gael.

It means 18 of the 35 TDs that were elected for the party in 2020 will not be contesting the election.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has been named Fine Gael’s Deputy Leader in Minister Humphrey’s place.