Today is the last day of the 33rd Dáil and the official start of the General Election campaign.  

Taoiseach Simon Harris only confirmed that polling day would be November 29th on Wednesday - despite months of speculation about the date. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Bauer Media Political Correspondent Seán Defoe said that Mr Harris will leave a meeting of the European Political Community in Budapest “as early as possible” and return to Government Buildings around lunchtime. 

“He’s then going to head to Áras an Uachtaráin where 57 months to the day since the last General Election, President Micheal D Higgins will dissolve the Dáil,” Mr Defoe said. 

“That’s only their first meeting of the day; both are going to be in the Aviva Stadium tonight when Ireland play the All Blacks. 

“In fact, the smart money will bet that there will be more politicians and cabinet ministers and campaign staff than actual rugby players canvassing the sold out crowd.” 

Mr Harris is also expected to spend some time this afternoon campaigning in Dublin West and Dublin Mid-West. 

Opposition

Other parties will also begin setting out their stalls for the electorate. 

“Labour is getting its first campaign launch out before the campaign technically even starts,” Mr Defoe said. 

“They’re launching its housing policy this morning; it includes a commitment to a state construction company funded by the Apple tax money and to ramp up home building to 60,000 new homes a year by 2027.” 

It’s official! We will go to the polls on Friday 29th Nov to elect a new Dáil & new gov.

We have a real opportunity to transform our country, build affordable homes, and tackle the climate crisis – Let’s Build Better Together.

🗳️ Vote Ivana Bacik No 1. in Dublin Bay South pic.twitter.com/askYCj8Irr

— Ivana Bacik (@ivanabacik) November 7, 2024

Yesterday, Mary Lou McDonald launched her own campaign in her Dublin Central constituency alongside her running mate Cllr Janice Boylan. 

The Sinn Féin President said the party could “make history” and Ireland could “elect a new government for working people”. 

Mr Defoe described the three-week campaign as “short and sharp” and noted today is “realistically” the last chance to apply for a postal vote as they have to arrive by Monday.

Main image shows Simon Harris and Micheal D Higgins. 09/04/2024. Image: Damien Storan/Alamy.com