'It is frustrating': TDs urge Taoiseach to name date for general election

Both Simon Harris (right) and Tánaiste Micheál Martin (left) have said in recent weeks that the date of the election is not of interest to the general public. File photo: Maxwells
TDs are calling on the Taoiseach to end the relentless speculation about when a general election will be called.
Labour leader Ivana Bacik has also said it is time to look at introducing a fixed-term parliament provision as a way to avoid such levels of speculation in the future. In doing this, Ms Bacik said it is important to retain the principle that the Dáil would be dissolved if the Taoiseach loses the majority.
"I think is should be possible to find a way to perhaps curtail the current position where it is entirely and solely a matter for the Taoiseach's discretion," she said.
Both Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin have said in recent weeks that the date of the election is not of interest to the general public but Ms Bacik said it is a question frequently being put to her.
"It is utterly time wasting, it is frustrating for everyone around the country. I am out canvassing all the time myself and everyone I meet around the country is asking when the election is," said Ms Bacik.
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Speaking hours before the Dáil resumed following the summer recess, the Dublin TD said that no matter what Mr Harris has said, the people do not believe the government will run into 2025.
She said the ongoing speculation is taking valuable time and attention away from the real issues facing the country such as housing and healthcare. Ms Bacik said the reality is that behind the scenes many government backbenchers, TDs and senators are being distracted by the issue.

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett echoed these sentiments calling on Mr Harris to "stop playing games with the public and torturing everybody about the date".
He said that the amount of time spent debating the issue is ridiculous and where he is concerned it is a case of the sooner the better.
Mr Boyd Barrett also addressed the warning from the Central Bank that the supply of new homes needs to be increased to 52,000 annually. At least half of this target will have to be delivered by the State, he said, and in order for that to happen, a State construction company must be established.
"That is what the Apple tax money should be used for," said Mr Boyd Barrett.