Coalition consciously uncouples as GE24 is called

After months of speculation Taoiseach Simon Harris finally announced that the general election will take place on November 29th.
Having long refused to comment on his choice of election day, it has to irk him that he was bounced into naming – or indeed, confirming – the date by Tánaiste Micheál Martin. That was on Wednesday and later today he will travel to the Áras to request that President Michael D Higgins dissolve the Dáil.
Once that happens, it’s every party for themselves with the Coalition partners, Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens fighting it out in the constituencies.
But what are the key issues? Will immigration be a hot button topic after housing and health? And what about the far-right, particularly those candidates who emerged during this year’s local elections who might now set their sights on the Dáil? And will the parties be looking to the US for tips on campaign strategies?
Irish Times political editor Pat Leahy tees up what will be a busy three weeks of electioneering.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Aideen Finnegan.