General Election in Ireland

His three-party coalition government is opposed by a two-party coalition led by Bertie Ahern.

Northern Ireland is expected to be one of the key issues in the election campaign; last night, Mr Ahern called on the British and Irish governments to resume official contacts with Sinn Fein.

There had been speculation for months that Mr Bruton would opt to go now, rather than holding out until next January, the final date for staging an election under the terms of Ireland's written constitution.

Bertie Ahern: campaigning already

Election posters began appearing in Dublin and other parts of the Republic weeks ago, and all the major parties have confirmed their candidates.

Mr Bruton, leader of the Fine Gael party, is making his move to retain power 28 months after forming the Irish Republic's first three-party coalition, following the collapse of the previous partnership led by Albert Reynolds.

Opinion polls suggest that his bid to stay in office may fail. All recent surveys have indicated that Mr Bruton and his alliance with Irish Labour and Democratic Left could be ousted by a rival coalition of Fianna Fail - now led by Bertie Ahern in place of Mr Reynolds - and the Progressive Democrats. But, with a complex system of proportional representation, observers say it's too close to call.

The election is Ireland's first to be contested against a background of relative economic prosperity. All the indicators highlight the country's recent performance as among the best in the European Union - the "Celtic Tiger" economy.

The present position of parties in the 166-strong Irish lower house of parliament, the Dail is:

• Government Parties: Fine Gael 46 seats, Irish Labour 32, Democratic Left 6.
• Opposition Parties: Fianna Fail 68, Progressive Democrats 8, Others 6.