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The Republic of Ireland has officially announced a general election scheduled for Friday 29 November. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris made the announcement outside government buildings in Dublin on Friday.
He said the time was "now right" to ask the Irish people for a new mandate for the government.
Harris then traveled to the Irish president's residence to ask Michael D Higgins to dissolve the current Dáil (lower house of the Irish parliament).
Under Irish law, once the Dáil is dissolved an election must be held within 30 days.
Announcing the snap poll in three weeks time, Harris said to voters that "you alone are sovereign".
"You go out and you cast your vote, and in return you're entitled to good government and hard work."
The Fine Gael leader said the coalition government - made up of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and The Green Party - had made "real progress" and thanked his coalition partners.
"We did not agree on every issue but we did always work hard and together for the good of the Irish people."
Harris continued by saying Ireland is a "small country with a big influence all over the world".
"We have many assets, but no asset more valuable than our people," he added.
Mr Harris said parties will seek alternative mandates over Ireland's future over the next three weeks, and it was "vital" that an election take place to consider the different "visions for our country's economic and social future".
Harris also called for the election to be a "safe and respectful campaign" for politicians and their teams.
"Finally, I ask just one thing of the Irish people: Value your vote, use your voice," he said.
"That’s how this country works, that’s how we listen, that’s how we act on your behalf."
Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin have already sworn against a coalition ahead of the general election.
