Political parties are not financially ready for a snap election and any campaign would be done on a shoestring, it has emerged.

Fine Gael’s general secretary has warned TDs and senators to “get your act together” and not repeat the “embarrassing” election expenses mistakes which saw deputy leader James Reilly referred to gardaí by the State watchdog.

THE Government’s claim that it was necessary to triple the amount of money politicians could receive without having to declare it is not borne out by correspondence received by the State’s ethical watchdog.