Politics watch: No rest for Harris, general election looming?
James Cox
Here, we have a look at the political talking points doing the rounds in the week to come.
No rest for Harris
It's as close as we really come to a political off season in Ireland, with the Dáil not resuming until Wednesday, September 18th.
However, Taoiseach Simon Harris has been showing no signs of slowing down.
His colleagues have been struck by his high workrate, with some quietly wondering how long he can sustain the level of energy he has shown.
Mr Harris is reportedly only taking five full days off this summer.
He has been going all around the country, most recently at the Tullow Agricultural Show in Co Carlow on Tuesday.
His first 100 days in office have been marked by decisive action, with the young Taoiseach unafraid to get involved in difficult issues such as the migration challenge.
However, this may be because he knows a general election is on the cards.
The Government continues to insist it will go full-term to March 2025, however, sources have indicated November is the most likely date for the next general election.
Candidate selection
There are many factors that suggest an autumn general election is the most likely scenario.
The main one is Government will look to capitalise on positive showings in the local and European elections, while Sinn Féin had an underwhelming display.
There would be five by-elections between now and March, giving Sinn Féin an opportunity to regain momentum.
The candidate selection of parties also suggests they are preparing for a November election.
In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, former minister for agriculture Ivan Yates suggested November 15th is the most likely general election date.
Northern Ireland unrest
British prime minister Keir Starmer visited Belfast this week, where he condemned the recent disorder in Northern Ireland following similar incidents in the UK which erupted after the Southport stabbings.
Mr Starmer visited PSNI officers who were injured in the disorder.
The UK prime minister next met injured police officers, including Constable Josh Elliott, discussing with him how the community had “rallied round each other”. Mr Starmer added: “That’s the real Northern Ireland.”
He later met leaders from a number of organisations which represent the minority ethnic community in Northern Ireland.
Abroad
In the US, all eyes are on November 5th and Kamala Harris has injected huge energy into the presidential race.
She is either ahead or matching former president Donald Trump in most opinion polls, and the Trump camp is said to be extremely worried.
Ms Harris will make the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Thursday.