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Ahern sets general election date Adams predicts Irish poll success
(about 6 hours later)
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has confirmed the Irish Republic will hold a general election on 24 May. Sinn Fein will be in government both north and south of the border by the end of May, Gerry Adams has said.
Mr Ahern had kept his own Fianna Fail and opposition parties guessing, but went to seek the formal dissolution of the Dail from President Mary McAleese. The party leader's comments follow news that a general election will be held in the Republic of Ireland on 24 May.
Recent opinion polls have suggested a very tight outcome, with no clear lead for any party or coalition group. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has sought the formal dissolution of the Dail from Irish President Mary McAleese.
The election could be held no later than June, and unofficial campaigning has been in full swing in recent weeks. Mr Adams said his party was ready to take an active role. "We are going into this election in a stronger position than ever before," he said.
"We are contesting right across the state.
"By the time the election is over, we'll be in government here in the north and we're ready for government in the south, and we're looking a mandate."
News of the election date was only made public on Sunday even though unofficial campaigning has been in full swing in recent weeks.
Mr Ahern visited President McAleese's official residence Aras an Uachtarain at 0800 BST, hours before she was due to leave for a five-day visit to the US.Mr Ahern visited President McAleese's official residence Aras an Uachtarain at 0800 BST, hours before she was due to leave for a five-day visit to the US.
Mary McAleese's office confirmed the dissolution of the 29th Dail"President McAleese has dissolved the 29th Dail (parliament) this morning," her office said in a statement. Posters began appearing hours after the election was called"President McAleese has dissolved the 29th Dail (parliament) this morning," her office said in a statement.
Mr Ahern had kept his own Fianna Fail and opposition parties guessing about the possible date.
In power since 1997, Mr Ahern is seeking a third term in office.In power since 1997, Mr Ahern is seeking a third term in office.
Opinion polls have suggested a close race between Mr Ahern's Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrats coalition partnership and an alternative partnership of Fine Gael and Labour with possible Green participation.Opinion polls have suggested a close race between Mr Ahern's Fianna Fail-Progressive Democrats coalition partnership and an alternative partnership of Fine Gael and Labour with possible Green participation.
Sinn Fein is also among the parties hoping to increase its presence in parliament.
The Irish Republic uses the Proportional Representation - Single Transferable Vote system, by which voters in multi-seat constituencies (electing three, four or five deputies each) are asked to rank their candidate preferences on a ballot paper.The Irish Republic uses the Proportional Representation - Single Transferable Vote system, by which voters in multi-seat constituencies (electing three, four or five deputies each) are asked to rank their candidate preferences on a ballot paper.
If no one party secures enough seats to form a single party government, a coalition between parties is needed.If no one party secures enough seats to form a single party government, a coalition between parties is needed.
The Dail is made up of 166 members representing 41 constituencies.The Dail is made up of 166 members representing 41 constituencies.