‘Ambition’ for November 29th election, Taoiseach’s spokesman says

By Gráinne Ní Aodha and Cillian Sherlock, PA

It is an “ambition” to hold the general election on November 29th, a spokesman for the Taoiseach has said.

It comes after Simon Harris said the election will be called by the end of the week.

The three leaders of the Coalition have agreed to hold an election this year but a date has not yet been officially announced.

Passing the Finance Bill through the Dáil, which enacts measures announced in Budget 2025, had been cited as a priority before the election can be called.

The Taoiseach has previously suggested the polling date would be on a Friday and said this week that it will be held “this month”, pointing towards November 29th.

Speaking to reporters before Cabinet on Tuesday, Mr Harris said he intends to seek a dissolution of the Dáil this week.

He added: “It’s my expectation that we will have a general election campaign under way by the end of the week.”

When later asked about a timeline for Government formation following an election, a spokesman for Mr Harris said: “We have an election on November 29th… that’s the ambition. That’s what it looks like, the Taoiseach said that earlier today.”

Under that timeline, Mr Harris will this week have to inform President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin of his intention to dissolve the Dáil.

However, he will be out of the country for a proportion of Thursday and Friday when he travels to Budapest for a meeting of EU leaders.

Mr Harris said other legislation, such as the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Bill and the Appropriation Bill which ensures the country has enough money to keep on running, will also need to be allowed pass.

Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin had previously said there are two possible election dates, November 29th or December 6th.

Also speaking on his way into Cabinet he said: “It is our expectation that it will be dissolved this week.

“I think that’s not exactly a secret at this stage, I think all parties are now preparing for a general election.”

Green Party leader and Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman said the Taoiseach “didn’t inform us of his plans” on what day this week the election would be called.

“I’m hoping for an election on November 29th, and that would require a dissolution this week. I think the very latest is Friday so that’s what I’m hoping to see.”

Mr Harris said he expected that parties would engage in talks to form the next Government over the Christmas period.