Taoiseach Enda Kenny says his party will unveil its detailed, independently costed, long-term economic plan to the electorate over the next three weeks ahead of the general election.
The Fine Gael leader is addressing his parties candidates and supporters at a press conference in Dublin this afternoon after the 31st Dáil was dissolved earlier this morning.
Mr Kenny confirmed voters will go to the polls on Friday February 26th from 7.00am to 10.00pm.
I am seeking a dissolution of Dáil Éireann today with the election to be held on February 26th.https://t.co/R5JnwC3XFB
— Enda Kenny (@EndaKennyTD) February 3, 2016
The 31st Dáil was officially dissolved earlier by President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin.
President Michael D Higgins (left) and An Taoiseach Enda Kenny at Aras an Uachtarain | Image: RollingNews.ie
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny leaves Aras an Uachtarain | Image: RollingNews.ie
Mr Kenny and President Higgins signed the necessary papers just after 10.30am.
Enda Kenny and President Higgins have signed papers dissolving the 31st Dáil Éireann pic.twitter.com/lMDuLOOsdo
— Sean Defoe (@SeanDefoe) February 3, 2016
Shortly before that, Mr Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton bid farewell on the steps of the Dáil - during which he told her: "This is not goodbye".
Mr Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton bid farewell on the steps of the Dáil earlier| Image via @gavreilly on Twitter
And Ms Burton told reporters she is confident of being back.
While Environment Minister Alan Kelly signed the Polling Day Order just after 12.30pm - making it official.
Polls will open on Friday February 26th from 7.00am to 10.00pm.
Minister Alan Kelly | Image via @EnvironPress on Twitter
Parties launch campaigns
Enda Kenny says his party has a proven record of progress but, he says there are still challenges ahead.
However, the Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin says the government created more inequality than any other in the history of the State.
He says successive budgets benefited the rich and disadvantaged those in the margins.
He made his remarks in Dublin this morning at the launch of his party's general election campaign.
Mr Martin said the contents of the last five budgets revealed where the priorities of this government are.
The Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said he would like to be Taoiseach if that is the people's wish.
Mr Adams stood outside Government Buildings to say the decision to call the election was the best one Enda Kenny has made.
He says the fact there is an improving economy does not make the Sinn Féin case more difficult.
Polling will take place just 23 days from today, meaning this will be one of the shortest campaigns in modern times.
