The general election campaign is now officially underway.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has asked President Higgins to dissolve Dáíl Éireann - and the polling date has been confirmed as Friday the 26th of February.

The announcement was made at the beginning of Dáil business at 9:30am this morning, after which the Taoiseach and Tánaiste Joan Burton held a quick photo-op before the Taoiseach's visit to Áras an Úachtaráin.

There, at around 10:35am, the paperwork was signed and the election campaign began in earnest.

Already the major parties have begun their campaigns - with the economy dominating today.

Our political correspondent Gavan Reilly filed this report for Today FM's National Lunchtime News: