The announcement was made following Harris’s return from an EU summit in Budapest. He confirmed his intention to seek the dissolution of the Dáil by President Michael D. Higgins on Friday, 8 November. This move will officially kick off the election campaign, which will last just a few weeks.

Harris, who became Taoiseach earlier this year after Leo Varadkar stepped down, has been preparing for this moment. He emphasised the importance of concluding the government’s work, including passing the Finance Bill, which brings budget measures into effect. The timing of the election is strategic, aiming to capitalise on the current government’s achievements and the recent budget announcements.

The decision to call an early election is seen as a calculated move by Harris and his party, Fine Gael. The party has been performing well in the polls, while the main opposition, Sinn Féin, has been struggling with internal issues and declining support. This election will test the strength of the current coalition government, which includes Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the Green Party.

The coalition, formed in 2020, has faced numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a housing crisis, and rising numbers of asylum seekers. Despite these issues, the government has implemented several key policies, such as reducing childcare costs and introducing free school meals.

The upcoming election campaign is expected to focus on several critical issues. Housing remains a top priority, with record levels of homelessness and ongoing concerns about the availability of affordable housing. The health system, despite significant investment, continues to face pressure, and immigration is likely to be a new focal point in this election.

Harris has expressed his desire for the government to come to an “amicable end” and is looking forward to seeking a new mandate from the people of Ireland. He has highlighted the importance of clarity on housing targets and the need for continued economic stability.

Political analysts suggest that a return of the current coalition is one of the more likely outcomes of this election. However, the dynamics of the campaign and the issues at play could lead to various possible scenarios. The performance of Sinn Féin and other opposition parties will be crucial in determining the next government.

The election will also be a test for Harris’s leadership and his ability to maintain the support of his coalition partners. The role of Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman will be closely watched as the campaign unfolds.

The parents are directing their anger towards Simon Harris. They believe that the current situation is a result of long-standing issues within the healthcare system that were not adequately addressed during his tenure. Many parents feel that Harris did not take sufficient action to improve the healthcare infrastructure, leading to the current crisis.

The emotional toll on families is profound. Parents have shared heart-wrenching stories of their children suffering while waiting for surgeries. Some children are in constant pain, while others are missing out on crucial developmental milestones due to their medical conditions. The uncertainty and prolonged waiting periods are causing significant stress and anxiety for both the children and their parents.

In response to the outcry, the government has acknowledged the issue and promised to take steps to address the delays. However, many parents remain skeptical, feeling that similar promises have been made in the past without any substantial improvements. They are demanding immediate action and concrete solutions to ensure that their children receive the medical care they need without further delays.

The delays in surgeries are symptomatic of broader issues within the Irish healthcare system. Hospitals are facing severe staff shortages, with many healthcare professionals overworked and under-resourced. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these problems, leading to a backlog of surgeries and other medical procedures. Despite efforts to increase funding and resources, the system continues to struggle to meet the growing demand for healthcare services.

Parents and advocacy groups are calling for greater accountability from the government and healthcare authorities. They are urging Simon Harris and other officials to take responsibility for the current situation and to implement effective measures to prevent such delays in the future. There is a strong demand for transparency in how healthcare resources are allocated and managed, with many calling for an independent review of the healthcare system.

As the situation unfolds, parents are continuing to voice their concerns and advocate for their children’s right to timely medical care. The government faces increasing pressure to deliver on its promises and to demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving the healthcare system. For many families, the hope is that their voices will be heard and that meaningful changes will be made to ensure that no child has to suffer due to delays in receiving essential medical treatment.