The new Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has said he wants the coalition Government to run the full term, with an election in 2025.
Speaking in Athlone, he said: "My intention is that this Government should run the full term. I'm very conscious that Governments take on a rhythm of their own.
Mr Harris added: "And I'm very conscious that we, all people, need to work in good faith. And events can happen in Irish politics - of course they can.
"But we have a lot of work to do, and I don't think there needs to be any mystique around my intentions... I am planning for this Government, should I be lucky enough to form one, and to become Taoiseach, I would like to see this Government run full term. And that's my intention."
Mr Harris also said he held phone coversations with the Coalition leaders, and he plans to meet them in the coming days.
Tomorrow he will meet Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to discuss his transition plans.
He added that the Government needs to "move beyond its emergency response" to migration and inform the Irish people about its medium to long-term migration and accommodation policy
Mr Harris said people have a right to seek asylum in this country, but they should receive a yes or no answer more quickly.
He said: "People who have a right to stay should be welcomed and integrated. People who don't have a right to stay should be asked to leave quicker."
Earlier, Mr Harris has told a meeting in Athlone that his leadership is a moment for the party to "reset".
The Minister for Further and Higher Education was the sole candidate for the position at the close of nominations this afternoon.
The Wicklow TD said that Fine Gael needs to refocus on a policy agenda of enterprise, equality of opportunity, integrity and security.
He stressed that while a strong economy is critical, it must also deliver for businesspeople, workers and farmers - and they must see how that progress provides a future for their children.
"It is a moment for Fine Gael to reconnect. It is a moment for Fine Gael to renew our commitment to the people," Mr Harris said.
"Fine Gael stands for law and order, on the side of An Garda Siochána, where our streets are safe and crime is never allowed go unchecked," he said.
The new Fine Gael leader also praised the work of the party and its partners in Government, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, in protecting the economy describing it as "solid base upon which" to tackle future challenges.
"I want young people to believe in their future in Ireland. We owe it to them. We need to make this happen.
"...An economy has to work for people so that they feel it in their own household economies, on their farms and in their businesses, around the kitchen table, and in the lives they can see ahead for their children," Mr Harris said.
He again repeated calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, along with release of all hostages still held by Hamas and for a political process to bring about a two-state solution.
Mr Harris said the party is "unafraid to speak truth to power about the catastrophe we are witnessing in Gaza and to voice in no uncertain terms the moral outrage of the Irish people".
He added: "Fine Gael will always support democracy and freedom, and we condemn the horrific, illegal invasion of Ukraine by Putin."
The Wicklow TD said he would be going back to the "decent, hardworking grassroots" of Fine Gael.
"I want this party to fight against populism and deliberate polarisation.
"We must and we will do this with civility, with honesty, with a determination to debate without rancour and personal demonisation," Mr Harris added.
"But let no-one mistake my civility for lack of resolve. I know I won't get everything right. But I am going to bring energy and renewal to this party.
The remarks were made at the Fine Gael selection convention for the Midlands-North West constituency for the European Parliament.
It is understood that Mr Harris will not be making any final decisions on Cabinet appointments until the Dáil returns on 9 April.
However, it is known that Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys will be the Fine Gael deputy leader in the shake-up.
Coveney to stand for election
Meanwhile Minister Simon Coveney has said that he will be standing in the next general election and wants to remain in Cabinet.
Also speaking in Athlone, Mr Coveney said he has been in touch with Mr Harris, but accepts that Cabinet choices are down to the new Fine Gael leader.
He said he did not want to add to the speculation by continuing to talk about the matter.
"I think this is going to be a really good change for Fine Gael," Mr Coveney said.
"It's an opportunity for renewal, for new talent to emerge in the party. And I think Simon's going to manage that really well."
Mr Coveney said Fine Gael would be open to the Oireachtas returning earlier than 9 April to vote Simon Harris in as Taoiseach.
However, he said it would probably be unreasonable to ask TDs to come back when they would have made Easter plans.
Speculation is increasing that Minister of State Peter Burke is the person most likely to be elevated to Cabinet.
Speaking on RTÉ's This Week programme, Mr Burke said he does not think "anyone who puts themselves forward" in politics "would not like to be in Cabinet".
However, Mr Burke repeatedly said he would not go into "speculation", but when asked if he would like to be promoted to a full cabinet position, he said that any TD would have an interest in such a role.
Deputy Burke described Mr Harris as "a man of the progressive centre", and said that in his view he has made a number of important calls.
Mr Harris' supporters have been saying in recent days that he will tilt the party back towards its traditional base..
Meanwhile, Fine Gael TD Michael Ring has called on Mr Harris to abandon the Government's hate speech legislation, ditch plans for the late night sale of alcohol and move the party away from "left wing" policies.
