The General Election has been called - polling day confirmed

The General Election campaign is officially underway and Friday, February 26, is to be polling day.

I am seeking a dissolution of Dáil Éireann today with the election to be held on February 26th:

 

Having adjourned the Dáil this morning, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny is in Aras an Uachatarain right now asking President Michael D Higgins to formally dissolve the Dáil.

Speaking in the house this morning, he said: “I wish to inform the house as a matter of courtesy, that I am proceeding immediately to Aras an Uachtarain to advise the President, pursuant of article 13 of the constitution to dissolve Dáil Eireann and to summon the incoming Dáil to meet at 10.30am on Thursday, March 10 2016.

“To those members of the house that are not seeking re-election, I wish you every success and happiness in the future.

“I wish all other members well in their endeavours to return to the house.”

While he did not announce polling day in the Dáil. The Taoiseach later revealed it in a tweet.