Howlin: We're ready, whenever the election is
The Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin has said he does not think Labour is being railroaded into a November election.
There is some speculation the Taoiseach might go to the country next month and Enda Kenny has not ruled out the prospect of an early poll.
Last night, however, it emerged that TDs will be asked to extend the deadline for the final report of the Banking Inquiry to the end of January. The inquiry would automatically collapse if the Dáil were dissolved before its final report, so some commentators believe there will not be an election until February at the earliest.
The election must be held no later than April next year. Labour figures including the Tánaiste Joan Burton and Minister Howlin are known to be strongly in favour of the Government staying for a full term.
When asked whether his party was being railroaded into a November election, Minister Howlin said he was ready for any date.
"No, no. Whenever the election happens, Labour's ready," he said. "We have a mandate to fulfil…We are very proud of what we have achieved in government but there are still things to be finalised," he said.
