‘Oireachtas roadblock’ plan over Thursday election

POLITICIANS are set to return to the Dáil tomorrow following its Easter recess, with speculation rife that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will call the election before the week is out.

Given Mr Ahern’s stated belief that Friday elections don’t work, most political observers believe he will opt to hold polling day on a Thursday, which leaves three likely dates — May 17, 24, or 31.

Fine Gael will this week challenge Fianna Fáil in the Dáil and Seanad to explain precisely why the party doesn’t want a Friday vote.