Advertisement

Varadkar and Martin to meet on Thursday to discuss election timing

The Taoiseach will meet with the Fianna Fáil leader on Thursday to discuss the timing of the upc...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

16.17 7 Jan 2020


Share this article


Varadkar and Martin to meet on...

Varadkar and Martin to meet on Thursday to discuss election timing

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

16.17 7 Jan 2020


Share this article


The Taoiseach will meet with the Fianna Fáil leader on Thursday to discuss the timing of the upcoming general election, according to the Finance Minister.

While Leo Varadkar has previously mentioned May as his preferred election date, Micheál Martin has suggested the vote should be held after Easter.

Speaking on The Hard Shoulder this afternoon, the Fianna Fáil leader said he believes other parties could agree to keep the Dáil going until April - but the Taoiseach would need to set out that plan.

Advertisement

Deputy Martin said: "From the moment I entered into confidence and supply with the Fine Gael party, I said I would behave honourably and I would honour the agreement - and I have.

"I'm not going into this meeting trying to play games... that's not my approach.

"If the Taoiseach wants to keep the Dáil going until April... if he wants to maintain and get the various legislation that we've spoken about [through]... it's up to the Taoiseach to engage with other parties and independents."

The opposition leader added: "I can only take the Taoiseach in good faith... we'll have that meeting, and I'll take that he's entering into that meeting in good faith. I certainly am.

"There's going to be a general election... but I personally think the April period is a better period for it. I also think 'all hands on deck' should be on the hospital crisis."

Speaking earlier, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said a Government needs to be able to function and go about its business in the Dáil.

He observed: "The matter of when the election takes place... I hope through the discussions that will take place on Thursday night, further clarity will be brought to bear on it.

"[The Taoiseach has] made clear - as I've reiterated this afternoon - that in order for a government to be able to do its business, it cannot be wound down at the same time.

"This, I am sure, is what will form the area of engagement on Thursday evening."

Main image: File photo of Micheál Martin. Photo: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Share this article


Read more about

Election Leo Varadkar Micheál Martin

Most Popular