Simon Harris: Next general election will be 'like no other'

Fine Gael's director of elections and general secretary recently held individual meetings with senators, stoking speculation that a general election may be called earlier than expected next year

Simon Harris said he appreciates 'the kindness of colleagues' who tipped him as future FG leader, but he is 'focused on the job at hand'. Picture: Damien Storan/PA Wire

The next general election will be “like no other”, a Government minister has said, as politicians gear up to go to the polls "within 12 months".

The Irish Examiner  understands Higher Education Minister Simon Harris, who is Fine Gael's director of elections, and the party's general secretary John Carroll have held individual meetings with a number of senators recently as the party gears up for a general election.