Election 2016 is officially underway, as the Taoiseach departed to Aras an Uachtarain this morning, on a mission to talk to President Michael D. Higgins.
The moment was a tad anti-climatic though, as he walked straight out of the Dáil chamber mere moments after announcing that he was on his way.
He confirmed that the Dáil will not sit again until March 10. The official date for the election was announced shortly afterwards, via Twitter.
It is understood that the Taoiseach and Tánaiste will make a joint statement on the steps of Government Buildings shortly.