As he announced his intention to run for a general election on Friday, November 29, Taoiseach Simon Harris stated that “the time is now right to ask the Irish people to give a new mandate.”
The Fine Gael leader said that Ireland is “a great democracy” and that voters are “entitled to good governance and hard work” in a brief speech at Government Buildings prior to traveling to Áras an Uachtaráin to request that President Michael D. Higgins dissolve the Dáil.
He complimented his party members and coalition allies Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, saying that he sees “great progress” from the government.
He cited “five progressive budgets” and claimed to have “protected” people throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, “Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine,” and the cost-of-living issue, despite the fact that the coalition partners have not agreed “on every topic.”
The leader of Fine Gael stated that “it is the honor of my lifetime to serve as your Taoiseach” and that “the time is now right to ask the Irish people to give a new mandate.”
Progress “should never be taken for granted,” Mr. Harris continued, adding that “others will of course seek alternative mandates” and that “I want to secure your future.”
The Fine Gael leader wished “all candidates luck” before departing to travel to Áras an Uachtaráin. He concluded by adding, “I ask one thing: value your vote, use your voice.” I’ll give it my all for you if you believe me.”
After Mr. Harris’ proposal to dissolve the Dáil was approved by President Higgins, a three-week General Election campaign began, with voting scheduled for November 29.
It is anticipated that the leader of Fine Gael would now start campaigning for the election in Dublin right away.
Mary Lou McDonald, the head of Sinn Féin, said this night that people who want a government without Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael have no choice but to join her party.
A left-wing alliance led by Sinn Féin, or the status quo with Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael in power, whom she called “Tweedledum” and “Tweedledee,” will be the historic option available to the public, she claimed.
Protesters urge President Higgins to maintain Dáil’s position.
Meanwhile, campaigners who want the Occupied Territories Bill to pass the Oireachtas urged President Higgins not to dissolve the Dáil.
Trade between Ireland and Israel’s unlawful settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories would be prohibited by the bill.
The Mothers Against Genocide organization wrote to Áras an Uachtaráin, requesting that the President exercise his presidential authority to maintain the Dáil’s position.
“Our Government has blocked and stalled this bill at every turn,” the group noted in the letter. The opposition Dáil’s offer of speaking time to help pass this important law was turned down last week. The July advisory ruling from the International Court of Justice makes it abundantly evident that Ireland must take immediate action.
“We hope dear President Higgins that you can be the final contributor to getting the Occupied Territories Bill enacted now.”
The Government is “prepared to go the full distance” on the Occupied Territories Bill, including through the European courts, Tánaiste Micheál Martin emphasized last Tuesday.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs cautioned the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, however, that if the Government were to provide the committee with the legal advice it has received, the bill’s chances might be jeopardized.
He went on to say that he thinks the law could pass, but not anytime soon.
“So, it can be done, we’re satisfied – and we’re going to do it, and we’re going to progress this,” he stated.
“But it’s not something that can be done in a short space of time,” he stated.
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