Colleagues turn competitors as election finally gets underway 

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael leaders were at the Aviva to witness Ireland's first home defeat in 20 matches. They will both be hoping for more positive result in the general election on November 29 

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris enjoying the craic during the Ireland-All Blacks rugby match at the Aviva in Dublin last night before Ireland's 23-13 defeat. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

“The time is now right to ask the Irish people to give a new mandate,” outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris proclaimed on Friday as he stood outside Government Buildings.

After months of denials and full-termism, the date is finally set — November 29.