LAST UPDATE | 1 Nov

DISSOLVING THE DÁIL on Thursday could prove problematic for Taoiseach Simon Harris due to President Michael D Higgins’ schedule. 

Harris said yesterday that he will not be “dilly dallying” around after the Finance Bill is passed and will provide clarity as to when the general election will be.

The bill is expected to be debated for four hours next Tuesday in the Dáil, with TDs voting on the bill on Wednesday night. 

The draft Dáil schedule for Wednesday includes a number of other legislative items to be concluded, fueling expectations that the Taoiseach will travel to Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday to seek a dissolution of the Dáil. 

However, the president is scheduled to deliver the Kofi Annan Eminent Speakers’ Lecture next Thursday between 2pm and 4pm, meaning Harris could not travel to Áras an Uachtaráin to speak to the president between those hours. 

SAVE THE DATE: Ireland’s President Michael D. Higgins to deliver 2024 Kofi Annan Eminent Speakers’ Lecture

🗓️ Nov. 7, 2024 from 14H - 16H (GMT)
📍 Virtual

Details on how you can participate in the #EminentSpeaker event: https://t.co/Vsq3WaXh27 pic.twitter.com/pnqzeyab0h

— African Development Bank Group (@AfDB_Group) November 1, 2024

The president is likely to be preparing for the speech in the hours before it begins, further ruling out the time available for Harris to travel to the Áras. 

In addition, a press release from Áras an Uachtaráin this afternoon confirms that the  lecture will be delivered live online from the State Reception Room, which is the room that is traditionally used for any announcement of the Dáil dissolution.

The hiccup could mean the Taoiseach might have to wait until Thursday evening or Friday morning to travel to Áras an Uachtaráin, unless Harris decides to pay a visit late on Wednesday evening. 

However, further doubt on a Friday announcement has been cast with the Taoiseach confirming that he plans to travel to Budapest for an informal EU Council meeting that day. 

Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Speaking today, Harris said he ahs consistently said he won’t be “dilly-dallying or waiting around once that piece of legislation (Finance Bill) is passed”.

“So the exact choreography is a matter for during the week. But there will be an election in the coming days,” Harris added.