It's official - President Michael D. Higgins dissolves the Dáil to make way for the General Election

The General Election is officially underway as President Michael D. Higgins has dissolved the Dáil.

Taoiseach Simon Harris travelled to Áras an Uachtaráin on Friday, 8 November to formally request the President to dissolve the 33rd Dáil to allow the beginning of the General Election campaign.

President Higgins signed the Proclamation of Dissolution before passing it to the Taoiseach to counter sign it, finally marking the start of the long-awaited election process.

Before arriving at Áras an Uachtaráin, Simon Harris encouraged people to get out and vote on polling day at the end of the month.

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In his address, the Taoiseach said: "It is the honour of my lifetime to serve as your Taoiseach."

He said that the coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and The Green Party "delivered five successful budgets" during the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the cost of living crisis that ensued.

However, he acknowledged that "we did not agree on every issue."

The Taoiseach concluded: "I ask one thing: value your vote, use your voice. If you give me your trust, I will give you my all."