The next Irish general election will be called on Friday, the Tanaiste has said.
The highly anticipated announcement will kick of a campaigning period widely expected to conclude before the end of the month.
It is the constitutional responsibility for Taoiseach Simon Harris to travel to Aras an Uachtarain and seek a dissolution of the Dail from the president.
On Wednesday evening, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said that will happen on Friday.
Speaking to Virgin Media News, Mr Martin said: “It is my understanding that it will be called on Friday and we’re looking forward to it.
He added: “It will be on Friday.”
Taoiseach Simon Harris (Niall Carson/PA)
While an official date announcement has not been made, a senior Government spokesman has said it is an “ambition” that the election will be held on November 29.
Mr Martin’s comments come after senior Government figures faced weeks of questioning on when the election would be called and held.
Last month, the Green’s Roderic O’Gorman was the first coalition leader to publicly state a preference for an election date – November 29.
Mr Harris has yet to formally state a specific date and, at the time of Mr Martin’s comments on Wednesday, had not confirmed when he would seek a dissolution from the president.