The dissolution of the 31st Dáil also marks the end of an era for some politicians.

After 27 years as a TD, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, will not be seeking re-election in Dublin South West constituency.

The former Labour leader has said facing retirement is a strange feeling: “After 27 years it is difficult to accept that you’re staring in the face of retirement, but I suppose it comes to us all.”

Long-serving Fine Gael TD, Olivia Mitchell, is another deputy will not be seeking re-election.

The Dublin South TD has been a member of the Dáil since 1997.

She has said leaving Dáil Eireann for the last time is an emotional day: “Hard to describe, it is an emotional day obviously, but I am making the right decision, but I will miss it.”