Ministers say ‘clearing of the decks’ implies early election

The Department of Public Expenditure issued the request in what Cabinet ministers say is an unusual step

Taoiseach Simon Harris (left) and Fine Gael colleagues canvassing voters on St. Stephen's Green, Dublin. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Cabinet ministers are on alert for an election after being asked to "clear the decks" in the immediate aftermath of Tuesday's budget.

In what is seen as a highly unusual move, the Department of Public Expenditure has asked a number of departments to submit supplementary estimates for the year, a move usually reserved for November.