Cowen ends 30th Dáil

Taoiseach Brian Cowen has officially brought the 30th Dáil to an end this afternoon.

Mr Cowen will head to Áras an Uachtaráin in the next hour to formally ask President McAleese for the dissolution.

He is expected to announce later that polling will be on Friday, February 25.

The 31st Dáil will convene on Wednesday March 9 to elect a new Taoiseach and Government.