Taoiseach keen to 'finish the work that is underway' before calling election
Simon Harris: 'We've had more than four-and-a-half years now, and we've delivered five budgets, and I will discuss in due course with my colleagues when I believe the right time is.' Photo: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie
The Taoiseach says he will call an election when "the work of government is complete" but that he wants to "finish the work that is underway”.
His comments come as Tánaiste Micheál Martin hinted he would be open to a November or December election, having previously said he would favour one in the spring.
“My position on this is actually very consistent and clear for many, several weeks at this stage, because what I've said previously and what I'll say again today, is I want the Government to finish the work that is underway," said Simon Harris, speaking to reporters in Brussels.
Mr Harris said it is his "constitutional prerogative to seek the most appropriate time, and in my view, in the best interest for Ireland to have a general election".
However, there is growing speculation that the Government is forging ahead with passing crucial legislation to clear the decks for a pre-Christmas election. In particular, the Finance Bill is scheduled for the first week of November and could be voted on that week.
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However, that bill does not appear on next week's draft Dáil agenda. Government sources said that it was now up to Mr Harris to "make up his mind about what he wants".
‘I've been Taoiseach of this country for just over six months. I very much look forward to putting my case to the people and asking the people to give me an opportunity to have a mandate for the time ahead. I want this government to end well, because this government works well," Mr Harris said.
“I've always said I won't discuss that through the media respectfully, because I think government is built on mutual respect.
"So I want to see when is the right time, when the work that is underway is completed, when is there a proper space to have an election, and when is that time best for Ireland."
Mr Harris's comments come as members of the select committee on children were told that it would be appropriate to agree the minutes of consideration of two bills next week because of the uncertainty around when an election might be called.
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