Carey: General election in February at the earliest

THE general election is likely to take place in February at the earliest, according to a senior minister who said the Green Party will need to stay in government longer if they want their wish list of legislation enacted.

The junior coalition partners want legislation on climate change, corporate donations and a directly elected Lord Mayor of Dublin passed before they exit Government which they pledged to do before the end of January.

However, Minister for Community Affairs Pat Carey said whether they get around to bringing the bills before the Dáil “depends on how long the party feel they can stay around to make sure they get passed”.