The Taoiseach has given his clearest indication yet that he could dissolve the Government late next week.

Speaking at Farmleigh House in Dublin ahead of a meeting with the incoming President of the European Council Antonio Costa, Simon Harris said he intends to “move swiftly” after the Oireachtas passes the Finance Bill.

The bill, which gives effect to Budget 2025, is due to be debated in the coming days and the Taoiseach said the “working assumption” is that the Bill we be passed by next Thursday.

"We'll have this election very shortly" - Taoiseach Simon Harris

The Taoiseach says he will move swiftly in calling for an election after the Finance Bill is voted through. pic.twitter.com/jUFt8N3N8l

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) October 29, 2024

It means the firing gun for the general election could be sounded on Thursday evening or Friday morning.

That would pave the way for an election on either November 29th or December 6th.

Dáil dissolution

Mr Harris said it is essential to get the Bill passed before making the call.

“The most important thing, I would imagine, before one knocks on a door and asks for a vote is to make sure you've passed the USC cut that will benefit that household behind that door,” he said.

“That you've changed the inheritance tax rates, that you've changed the rule about how much you can earn before paying the higher rate of tax.

“So for me, this is about the business of Government and bringing it to an orderly conclusion.

“So the Finance Bill and the timing of that is a prerequisite to me in my decision as to when to seek a dissolution from the President.

“We're not long away now. I intend to move swiftly after the passage of the Finance Bill.”

Election 2025

Mr Harris said the passing of the bill will be an "important moment", noting that there will be an election “very shortly” thereafter.

“I think you can sense it right across the country that people are beginning to engage.

“Political parties and independent candidates are out engaging as well and we'll have this election very shortly because I think now will be the right time.

“The coalition Government has delivered five budgets and we should end, I suppose, the speculation and seek a mandate.

“I'm looking forward to having a chance to put my case to the people.

“I've had the honour of doing this job for seven months. I'd like to continue to do it and I'd like to do it fresh off a mandate to deliver on some big ideas.”

He said the “working assumption” is that the Finance Bill will be passed by next Thursday but warned that he is “in the hands of the Oireachtas” regarding the timeline.

Earlier today, the Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin also suggested the Dáil could be dissolved next week.

With reporting from Andrew Lowth.