Micheál Martin, the leader of Fianna Fáil, has suggested that the forthcoming general election is more likely to be scheduled for spring rather than November, specifying February as a potentially “ideal date”. It has been confirmed that any by-elections will not take place before the general election, regardless of the chosen date.
Mr. Martin has said that holding a by-election immediately before the general election would not be feasible, according to received legal advice. There are currently four vacancies in the Dáil, following the election of Michael McNamara, Barry Cowen, Aodhán Ó Riordáin, and Kathleen Funchion to the European Parliament. They resigned from the Dáil on July 16th, which means a by-election could be held no later than January 16th.
A by-election must be held within 18 to 25 days after the writ for the by-election is moved, excluding Sundays and bank holidays. This means the by-election would have to be held by February 15th.
Martin made these comments at his parliamentary party’s “think-in”, which took place in Killiney, Co. Dublin on Monday. Simultaneously, the Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman stated he expects consultation with the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, regarding the timing of the general election. This came amidst speculation that the election could be announced following the upcoming budget declaration on October 1st. Due to the clear guidance from the Constitution, the final decision lies with the Taoiseach, but O’Gorman stated his expectation to have input on the final date, even though these discussions have not yet taken place.
In an interview discussing the timing of the forthcoming general election, the answer was quite clear from him. He expressed his inclination for the government to complete its full term, underlining his desire for crucial legislations, such as the Marine Planning Bill and extending maternity leave for seriously ill women, to be passed. These are significant laws included in the Government’s Programme that are yet to cross the final hurdle, he added.
Regarding the exact timing of the election, he reiterated his wish for the government to serve its entire term, specifying February as his “full term” goal. As for the possibility of by-elections, he didn’t envisage any preceding the impending general election. He reasoned that legally, it wouldn’t make sense to have a by-election in December or January only for a general election to follow soon after. He asserted his belief that February would be the optimum date for the national election.
On the other hand, Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Féin, anticipates a November election. She conveyed to the media at her party’s brainstorming session that all political parties are already making preparations for an autumn election and expressed her preference for it to transpire sooner rather than later, stating “the time is right now to go to the people.”
In response to a question on the potential coalition with Fianna Fáil, Ms McDonald countered harshly, referring to Fianna Fáil’s economic history. Her response was provoked by Finance Minister Jack Chambers’ earlier critique of Sinn Féin’s economic strategy. The Minister cautioned that Sinn Féin’s policies would threaten the economy and devastate the economic and industrial strategy.
Reacting to this, Ms McDonald advised the Finance Minister to recall that his party had previously plunged the economy into chaos and “wrecked peoples’ lives”.