Dáil dissolution:President Mary McAleese signed a proclamation at Áras an Uachtaráin shortly after 8am yesterday morning, dissolving the Dáil on the advice of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and clearing the way for a general election on May 24th.
The Taoiseach's visit to the Áras followed weeks of intense speculation about the election date. It is usual for the taoiseach of the day to inform the Dáil of his intentions in advance, but the practice was not followed on this occasion.
A small group of journalists was waiting at the front door of the Áras when Mr Ahern arrived in his official car at 8.02am. He wished the news media "good morning", but did not take questions.
Within a few minutes, reporters were invited inside to witness the signing ceremony.
The Taoiseach signed the formal Request for Dissolution and handed it to the President, who signed a separate Proclamation of Dissolution, passing the document to Mr Ahern for counter-signature.
In line with the official formula, the Taoiseach's request stated: "To the President: Pursuant to section 2 of Article 13 of the Constitution, I, Bertie Ahern, Taoiseach, hereby advise you to dissolve Dáil Éireann, on Sunday the 29th day of April, 2007, and to summon and call together Dáil Éireann (the members whereof shall have been elected at the forthcoming general election) to meet in the city of Dublin on Thursday, the 14th day of June, 2007, at the hour of 3pm, for the despatch of such business as shall be submitted to it."
In her Proclamation of Dissolution, the President stated that she was dissolving the Dáil, "pursuant to the advice tendered to me by the Taoiseach". The entire business was concluded within eight minutes. The President was due to depart from Dublin airport at 9.10am on a week-long official visit to the US, including the cities of Atlanta, Syracuse and New York.
Outside afterwards, reporters shouted questions to the Taoiseach about his feelings on the election. Mr Ahern responded that he was "looking forward to it massively".
Typed copies of a statement from the Taoiseach were issued, in which Mr Ahern highlighted progress on the economy and the peace process over the past 10 years.
"Once again, the moment has arrived for the people to decide Ireland's future," he said. He pledged, in the weeks ahead, "to give the Irish people the campaign they deserve: a campaign of issues and policies, not insults and attacks". Fianna Fáil's manifesto would "include specifics, not empty promises".
He continued: "I also want to pay tribute to our colleagues in Government, the Progressive Democrats." The two parties had not agreed on every issue, "but we have had a constructive partnership in Government".
The dissolution of the Dáil permitted Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government Dick Roche to issue an order appointing May 24th as polling day, with 7.30am to 10.30pm as the hours of polling.
The latest date for receiving nominations is May 8th at noon, and candidates may withdraw up to noon on the following day. For eligible categories the closing date for applying to the relevant county or city council to get on the postal or special voting list is tomorrow. As before, there will be 166 members in the new Dáil, including Ceann Comhairle, Dr Rory O'Hanlon, who will be returned unopposed.