Ireland’s elections have been carefully kept secret – and there is a clear reason why they were called

Well, the darkest secret in Irish politics has finally been revealed and people look set to head to the polls on November 29th.

The Taoiseach uses some lofty explanations why did he decide on early electionsbut it is difficult to go beyond political expediency.

Fine Gael has been leading the election ever since. Simon Harris became leader in Apriland the opposition is in free fall. Sinn Fein, Ireland’s main opposition party, fell to 16% in one recent poll, its lowest level of support since 2019.

Its leader Mary Lou McDonald, once considered Ireland’s first female MP, has been struggling for a year with seriously declining support and is bogged down in putting out a damaging series of intra-party scandals north and south of the border.

Why wait until next March for elections? Acting now will ensure that voters get the first benefits of the recent huge €10.5bn (£9bn) giveaway budget (“vote buying” according to the opposition) as soon as the ballot papers arrive.

A move away from parliament could see current government activity undermined by events. A week in politics is a long time, four months is an eternity. Why take the risk?

This election will largely debate the same issues as 2020. Four years of this coalition government have done nothing to convince voters that Ireland’s chronic housing problem is being addressed. The number of homeless people has reached a record high of 14,500.

The health system still creaks and groans under pressure, despite huge investments.

Immigration may become a new factor; Concerns over a surge in asylum seekers arriving in Ireland mean the issue could become a key issue for the first time in an election here.

Huge budget surplus, full employment, tax cuts and benefit increases – what is it? Sir Keir Starmer I wouldn’t let myself be in Simon Harris’s shoes.

But for many citizens, Ireland is a rich country that often feels like a poor country. That’s what the saying goes, at least.

The success of government parties in these elections will depend on reminding voters of the first part of this truth and suppressing the second part.

With extra pre-Christmas money for players, a decimated opposition and a new leader all helping, Mr Harris starts this campaign in a strong position to return as Ireland’s prime minister.

The government must lose the elections.