Fianna Fáil preparing for general election after giveaway October budget

Fianna Fáil announced a list of promises, including a move to free universal childcare, reductions in tax as well as increases for pensioners and carers at the party's ard fheis over the weekend. Picture: Gareth Chaney

The Fianna Fáil party is preparing for a pre-Christmas election despite promises from new Taoiseach Simon Harris the coalition would run its full term.

Ministers are now working at speed to deliver the remaining big-ticket items before the Dáil summer recess in a bid to have significant achievements to point back to during an election campaign.

It is understood Finance Minister Michael McGrath is also ready to pass a budget quickly, which would allow for an election before the end of the year.

One senior party member suggested the Government had to call an election after October's budget as "anything longer is madness".

It comes after Fianna Fáil announced a list of promises, including a move to free universal childcare, reductions in tax as well as increases for pensioners and carers at the party's ard fheis over the weekend.

A source close to Mr Martin stressed the Tánaiste was committed to delivering the Programme for Government, but admitted once the local elections are held and a budget is passed the 'drumbeat will start' for a general election. Picture: Gareth Chaney

The three coalition leaders have publicly stated they want the Government to serve its full term out to spring next year, but senior Fianna Fáil members, including Cabinet ministers, believe the coalition will not remain in place that long.

While Tánaiste Michéal Martin has stressed the need to continue on for the full term to deliver on the Programme for Government, many believe once the budget is passed, much of the work will be completed and this argument will become less important.

Local and European elections

A significant factor also raised is the upcoming local and European elections.

By-elections would have to be held within six months if one or more sitting TDs win a seat in the European Parliament. Fianna Fáil's Barry Cowen, Sinn Féin TD Kathleen Funchion and Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín will be among the candidates in June's elections.

One minister cautioned the coalition would be extremely reluctant to go ahead with any by-elections as Government parties rarely do well in these individual ballots.

"People begin to panic and do stupid things," he said, adding a general election would be the preferred option.

Another source close to Mr Martin stressed the Tánaiste was committed to delivering the Programme for Government, but admitted once the local elections are held and a budget is passed the "drumbeat will start" for a general election.

The source warned the local election results would "bring a dynamic" and a bad day at the polls for either of the two main Government parties could "destabilise" the coalition.