Supporters from both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil parties are pressing Taoiseach Simon Harris to initiate an early general election, reflecting the two chief Coalition parties’ strong performance in the recent Local Elections that exceeded expectations. Despite this, Harris insists that the Coalition’s intention to complete a full term until March next year hasn’t been altered by the election outcome.
The general election calls this year are fuelled by the main Opposition party Sinn Féin’s mediocre showing in last week’s election, contrasted by the surpassing of expectations by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil. One Fine Gael minister argued the electoral process should be completed before the onset of winter, ideally before the clocks are set back. Another urged for an effective Budget and progression towards the election without having to face the challenges of winter, such as harsh weather conditions and long hospital queues.
Likewise, Michael Ring, a former Fine Gael minister, suggested an October timeline for the general election. Willie O’Dea, a seasoned Fianna Fáil TD, also recommended a post-Budget, October election. He reasoned that by October, more or less, the Government would have accomplished everything in its current tenure, creating an opportune moment to seek a fresh mandate.
An additional Fianna Fáil TD suggested an intelligent move would be to hold the election in the autumn, preferably advancing the Budget to September for the Finance Bill’s prompt passing – a mandatory step for implementing Budget provisions – pre-election. The same TD highlighted the impracticality of conducting winter by-elections for a short-term role and then proceeding to national elections in the new year.
The requirement for by-elections due to potential election of TDs to the European Parliament was addressed by Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne. He suggested that he wouldn’t stand against a poll in October or November, granted that the budget is finalised and it brought economic stability. Following the increased backing for Independents in the Local Election, he questioned who the Independents would support for Prime Minister if they stand for the Dáil Parliament.
Housing Minister, Darragh O’Brien, aligned with other senior Government figures in dismissing the prospect of an expedited election when queried on Monday. He was queried about his agreement with Mr O’Dea’s idea for an October election, for which he responded stating that the Government, including the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan, aims to finish its full term.
With reference to opinions from Coalition politicians about an early election, there was no consensus. A representative from the Fine Gael party argued for the term’s completion owing to increasing momentum in the Government, the construction of 300 new homes daily, steady economy, and rising employment. They posit that the positive impact of these needs to percolate down to the citizenry. They further stated: propelling an early election would be seen by the public as a mere tactical manoeuvre to acquire political gains. This could potentially tarnish their current favourable public image.