Micheál Martin rules out forcing an election this year

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has all but ruled out forcing an election this year — but has strongly hinted he is prepared to go to the polls in spring 2019 amid ongoing tension within his party.

Despite senior Fianna Fáil TDs saying they want to end the confidence and supply deal when it runs out this autumn, Mr Martin yesterday said he is “fully determined” to see the agreement through to the end.

Speaking on RTÉ’s The Week in Politics, the Fianna Fáil leader downplayed growing talk of an imminent vote by saying his party will facilitate Fine Gael staying in power for three budgets.