As the general election looms closer, the leaders of Ireland’s three main political parties are set to discuss the timing of the election at their weekly meeting tonight. Both Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin and Green Party’s Roderic O’Gorman are pushing for clarity on the issue this week, while Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has confirmed that the election will take place this year.
Mr. Harris has emphasized that the decision to announce a specific election date lies with the Taoiseach, and he commended O’Gorman for making his suggestion of November 29 public. He also mentioned that Fine Gael will run independently in the election without a transfer pact with other coalition parties.
While Tánaiste Micheál Martin expressed a preference for the current government to continue until February, he is open to an election later this year if significant legislative work is completed. Regardless of the timing, all parties are focused on maintaining mutual respect and policy-centered discussions throughout the election campaign.
Additional reporting by Jennie O’Sullivan and Mary Regan