So far, 37 candidates have been declared across the midlands.
The 33rd Dáil has officially been dissolved.
Taoiseach Simon Harris has left Áras an Uachtaráin, after asking President Michael D. Higgins to kick-off the general election campaign.
As things stand, there are 37 candidates declared for the general election across the midlands.
There's 17 in Longford-Westmeath, 10 in Laois and 10 in Offaly.
Both Laois and Offaly are expected to provide plenty of intrigue after the controversial departure of Brian Stanley from Sinn Fein, and Eddie Fitzpatrick's decision to run as an independent in after Fianna Fail selected Claire Murray to run with Tony McCormack.
The General Election will take place on the 29th of November.
Sean Defoe was at Aras an Uachtarain for the announcement earlier today:
Micheal Martin says he’s looking forward to meeting constituents, and claims he ‘loves’ campaigning.
The Fianna Fail leader is again ruling out a future coalition with Sinn Fein, saying although multi-party systems give good diversity, they wouldn’t work together: