Paschal Donohoe: General Election date up to Taoiseach alone
The Transport Minister, Paschal Donohoe, says it is up to the Taoiseach alone to decide when the General Election will be called.
It comes amid mounting tension between the Coalition parties, with Tánaiste and Labour leader Joan Burton saying she believes Ireland should not go to the polls until next year.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has refused to dampen down speculation there'll be a snap election next month.
Mr Donohoe says there are many views about when the General Election should be called, but the decision is ultimately the Taoiseach's.
He said: "It's not a case of asserting anything at all here, nor is it a case of anybody threatening anybody at all here.
"There are so many different views going on regarding when this election may or may not happen, the Taoiseach has a clear and defined role within the Constitution to decide when an election will be called.
"He will do so in the context of what's right for the country. Our Government has a very clear plan regarding what we want our country to look like in the future."
