Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny has called a general election for February 26.

His coalition government is seeking to win over the additional support needed for re-election and avoid a possible political deadlock.

Mr Kenny said the new Dail, or lower house of parliament, will sit again on March 10.

"I am going to make my way to Aras an Uachtarain (the president's residence) to ask the President to dissolve Dail Eireann (parliament)," the Irish Prime minister announced.