Tánaiste rules out early general election

THE Tánaiste and the Finance Minister have ruled out an early election, despite the relative success of Fianna Fáil in the local elections in Cork.

The Tánaiste reiterated his intention that he would like to see the government run its full term when questioned on the issue at City Hall at the weekend.

Mr Martin had been cautiously optimistic about the results for the party following the tallies in Cork.

“I think we’ve put up a very robust performance,” he said.

Asked if the positive local results might change his stance on an early general election, Mr Martin was emphatic that they do not.

“No, they do not change my mind. I’ve been very consistent in terms of the life-span of this government [that he would like to see the government go to full term].

“Local election results do not correlate to general election results, we know that. They can help in terms of bringing new candidates forward.

“They can create a platform and a basis, but I believe the challenge for this Government now is to produce an effective budget – that’s the next big major issue facing us.”

Finance Minister Michael McGrath also seemed to rule out an early election. The Cork South Central Fianna Fáil TD said he believed this government would run its course and the election would be in the first quarter of 2025.

“I think we should do a budget in the autumn, and then legislate for that budget and implement it, and then go to the people in the early part of next year, that’s certainly my preference, I’ve said that from the very beginning, I think governments should serve their full term,” Mr McGrath said.

On Sunday, the Taoiseach also reiterated he has not changed his mind about calling a general election. Fine Gael’s Simon Harris previously made clear he would like to see the Government run full term into next year.

Speaking to reporters during counting for local and European elections on Sunday, he said: “It’s my prerogative as to when to call the election. I haven’t changed my view in relation to that.”