But the Taoiseach scotched the rumours and told broadcaster RTE he had been consistently aiming for an election next year. “But I am very conscious we need to do whatever is best for the country”.
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Labour meanwhile, including leader Joan Burton, would rather see the Government complete its term of office.
TAOISEACH Enda Kenny will today reaffirm his preference for a General Election next year but leave the door open for a November vote by suggesting his view could change.
One said: “The Taoiseach assured Joan it would be 2016 but he’s just telling her what she wants to hear because he’s not compelled to tell her anything at all, but it’s just embarrassing at this stage”.
The election debacle resulted in an ugly spat between Fine Gael and Labour ministers which has broken down trust within the Coalition and all but destroyed the Government’s stability message.
The Taoiseach appears to have ruled out a November General Election.
Ms Burton declined to comment on the potential effect.
Kenny said that the government’s plan to reduce taxes will stimulate the economy and put more people back to work, reducing the cost of social welfare.
However, speaking today on RTÉ’s The Week in Politics, Kenny indicated that he has no reason to hold an election before the end of the year.
Last night Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald, who is chair of Fine Gael’s election strategy committee, said the calling of an election is the sole responsibility of Mr Kenny.
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“That is just the fact of the situation”.
