Ireland is preparing for a General Election on 20-21 December 2025, as five major political parties compete for seats in the 35th Dáil Éireann following the dissolution of the previous Dáil on 13 December.
The Electoral Commission has issued the official Election Notice, confirming that polling will open at 20:00 IST on Saturday, 20 December and will continue for a full 24-hour period until 20:00 IST on Sunday, 21 December 2025.
This election comes immediately following the Presidential Election, which saw Oskar O'Sullivan elected as Ireland's next Uachtarán with a commanding 54% of first preference votes. The timing of both elections in quick succession represents an unprecedented period of democratic activity in Irish political history.
The Party Leaders
Five major parties will contest the General Election, each led by established or newly appointed leaders who will shape Ireland's political landscape for the coming term.
Newly elected party leader following his role as Cathaoirleach. yruo66 was the only candidate to contest the leadership position and was formally elected on 14 December 2025, just one day after the Dáil dissolution.
Current Taoiseach leading Sinn Féin into the General Election.
Established Fine Gael leader who has served as Leader of the Opposition throughout the 34th Dáil. Known for advocacy on accessibility and government accountability.
Labour Party leader and Senator who recently challenged a National Security Threat designation in the High Court, securing a judicial order requiring the Government to justify the designation.
Social Democrats leader bringing the party's progressive platform into the General Election campaign. The Social Democrats have been critical voices in recent government accountability debates.
Election Context
This General Election takes place against a backdrop of significant political developments. The outgoing Government, led by Taoiseach leahvnx of Sinn Féin, saw the removal of Minister for Justice Valourist just one day before the Dáil's dissolution.
The campaign period will be brief but intense, with parties having less than a week to make their case to voters. Key issues expected to dominate the campaign include community activity and engagement, foreign affairs and Ireland's international standing, justice system and the courts, Seanad reform, and the ongoing border crisis with Northern Ireland amid rising tensions with the British Government.
The timing of elections—with the Presidential Election concluded and the General Election following immediately—creates a unique political moment. President-elect Oskar O'Sullivan's decisive victory may influence voter sentiment as they consider which party should lead the formation of the next Government.
RTÉ Election Coverage
RTÉ News will provide comprehensive coverage of the General Election 2025, including:
- Live Results Coverage: Continuous updates throughout the 24-hour polling period and count
- Party Manifestos: In-depth analysis of each party's policy platform and promises
- Expert Analysis: Political commentators and analysts providing insight throughout the campaign
- Leader Interviews: Exclusive interviews with party leaders about their vision for Ireland
Fianna Fáil Leadership Change
In a significant development just ahead of the election, Fianna Fáil elected yruo66 as party leader on 14 December 2025. yruo66, who previously served as Cathaoirleach (party chair), was the only candidate to contest the leadership position, securing election unopposed.
The leadership change came immediately following the dissolution of the Dáil, giving yruo66 minimal time to establish his leadership before the campaign period. However, party sources suggest the transition has been smooth, with yruo66 already well-known to party members from his previous role.
His elevation from Cathaoirleach to party leader represents a natural progression within Fianna Fáil's internal structure, though it does mean the party enters the election with a newly minted leader at the helm.
What's At Stake
The outcome of this General Election will determine the composition of the 35th Dáil Éireann and set the course for Irish politics for the next two-month term. With five parties competing, coalition negotiations are likely to be complex, particularly if no single party emerges with a commanding majority.
The election follows the conclusion of the 34th Dáil, which saw ministerial changes including the resignation of Tánaiste jayjayg2rocketl and the removal of Minister for Justice Valourist in the final days before dissolution.
RTÉ News will continue to provide comprehensive coverage throughout the campaign period. Stay tuned for party manifestos, leader interviews, and live results coverage on election night.