The majority of Irish people believe now is the right time for a General Election, according to a new Newstalk poll.

The poll was carried out by Amárach Research for Newstalk earlier this week, in the wake of Simon Harris's appointment as Taoiseach .

Some 58% of the Irish public think now is the right time to have a General Election, instead of the Government running its full term.

The poll found a large gap between older and younger people when it comes to going to the polls - 73% of under 35s want a General Election now but only 40% of over 55s agree.

Some 67% of the 35-44 age group want an election, while this falls to 59% for those aged between 45 to 54.

When it comes to geographical breakdown, 60% of people in Leinster want an election now, with 57% of people in Munster agreeing and 52% of people in Connacht/Ulster.

There was little variation according to class, with 57% of people in the ABC1F50+ in favour of an early poll, compared to 59% in the C2DEF50- bracket.

One thousand people were questioned for the poll, which was carried out on Tuesday to coincide with Simon Harris becoming Taoiseach.

Following Leo Varadkar's decision to quit, Sinn Féin and People Before Profit demanded an election; whereas Fianna Fáil and the Greens said they want the Government to run its full-term.

An election must be held by March next year.

Main image: Simon Harris.