After months of speculation Taoiseach Simon Harris finally announced that the general election will take place on November 29th.
Having long refused to comment on his choice of election day, it has to irk him that he was bounced into naming – or indeed, confirming – the date by Tánaiste Micheál Martin. That was on Wednesday and later today he will travel to the Áras to request that President Michael D Higgins dissolve the Dáil.
Once that happens, it’s every party for themselves with the Coalition partners, Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens fighting it out in the constituencies.
But what are the key issues? Will immigration be a hot button topic after housing and health? And what about the far-right, particularly those candidates who emerged during this year’s local elections who might now set their sights on the Dáil? And will the parties be looking to the US for tips on campaign strategies?
Northern patients at risk due to ‘dramatic deterioration’ in ambulance-ED handovers
Tanker carrying jet fuel for US military set ablaze off coast of England after collision with cargo ship
Blarney Castle owner given permission to challenge drink-driving and dangerous driving convictions
Trinity College Dublin celebrates renaming former Berkeley library after poet Eavan Boland
Irish Times political editor Pat Leahy tees up what will be a busy three weeks of electioneering.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Aideen Finnegan.
