Irish PM kicks off election focussing on immigration and capitalising on weakness from opposition Sinn Fein

Irish prime minister Simon Harris has kicked off his three-week election campaign, after president Michael Higgins formally dissolved the country's Dail parliament.

Confirming the polling date as November 29, Harris said the 'time is now right' to give Irish people a new mandate.

It comes after the Fine Gael leader requested president Higgins dissolve the Dail by signing the Proclamation of Dissolution in a move that brings an end to the current Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Green Party coalition.

Under Irish law, once the Dail is dissolved an election must be held within 30 days.

The campaign should be about who can 'credibly' increase housing supply, oversee a fair but firm immigration system, and prepare for a potential transatlantic trade shock from Donald Trump 's election as U.S. president that could hit Ireland's finances, Harris said earlier on Friday.

The prime minister is said to be exploiting a moment of opposition weakness after support for republican party Sinn Fein recently declined following a series of safeguarding scandals.

Speaking outside government buildings in Dublin on Friday, the PM said: 'Ireland is a country of industry, of enterprise, of agriculture and education, community, culture and compassion.

'On the international stage, we are a country of conscience, a country that believes in international law.

'The voices of our more than five million citizens are listened to because of our tracks record and moral compass, seen most clearly in the recognition of the State of Palestine in May.

'We are a small country with a big influence all over the world and we have many assets. But no asset more valuable than our people.

The prime minister noted how 'real progress' had been made in the current government 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', he said.

Harris went on to encourage Irish people to 'go out and cast your vote, and in return your'e entitled to good government and hard work'.

Political parties Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Sinn Fein have already sworn against a coalition ahead of the general election.

Sin Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald yesterday said there was an 'opportunity for a change' from the government parties.