The 31st Dáil has now been dissolved, after Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny officially signed the papers at Áras an Uachataráin.
Later, both Enda Kenny and Joan Burton offered their good sides to photographers at the steps of Government Buildings.
In a jovial mood that is bound to be short-lived, Ms. Burton appeared confident to cling onto her seat for dear life. She said: “This is Seachtain Naoimh Bride which is also the week of my own birthday.
“She was a very powerful woman and role model in early Irish history and I have to say I am absolutely delighted to be the first woman leader of the Labour party.
“The Labour party have been campaigning under my leadership for the last year, the response is strong and good and I am very confident that we will re-elect- that the people when they go to vote will have choices to make and they will re-elect this Government.”