On November 5, 2024, Simon Harris, Ireland’s Prime Minister, announced plans to dissolve parliament later this week, paving the way for a general election by the end of the month. Under Irish law, only 18 days' notice is required for a general election, which must occur before March 2025, marking the end of the current government’s five-year term [1f989fd1]. Harris, who became Taoiseach six months ago, succeeded Leo Varadkar and leads the Fine Gael party, which has seen renewed support, currently leading in polls with 26%. In contrast, Fianna Fáil stands at 20%, while Sinn Féin has dropped to 18% [1f989fd1].
The political landscape in Ireland has shifted significantly due to a cost-of-living crisis and ongoing housing shortages, issues that have dominated public discourse. Sinn FĂ©in, once ostracized, is now viewed as a viable alternative by younger voters, reflecting a changing sentiment among the electorate [1f989fd1]. As the election approaches, the focus will likely remain on how the government plans to address these pressing issues, alongside the strategies of the opposition parties to capitalize on the current discontent among voters [1f989fd1].