Donohoe fends off election chat and insists Government still has work to do

The Government has plenty more work to do before an election is called, Paschal Donohoe has insisted.

The Public Expenditure Minister moved to dampen the feverish speculation that the budget unveiled on Tuesday was a precursor to an imminent election.

Finance Minister Jack Chambers also insisted the Government had a “job of work to do” and his focus was now on advancing the Finance Bill through the Dail.

The latest a general election can be held is March next year.

Government ministers have continued to insist that it is their intention to run full term despite claims from opposition parties that the coalition has served up a “giveaway” budget to curry favour with voters ahead of triggering a poll before the end of the year.

Asked about the prospect of an autumn election, Mr Donohoe told the PA news agency: “The Government still has plenty of work to do. We’ve just literally only announced the budget.

“We now have to do all the legislation to underpin all the spending for next year and Minister Chambers has to do the Finance Bill, which always takes time to do.

“So it’s up to the Taoiseach (and) the party leaders to discuss the timing of the next election. We’ve plenty to do now in the coming weeks and months.”

Mr Chambers said there were several key pieces of legislation that needed to be enacted before an election was called.

“I’m committed to serving in office,” he said.

“As the Taoiseach and others have set out, we still have a job of work to do.

“I have to try and advance the Finance Bill. We’ve the Planning and Development Bill and other important pieces of legislation that we’re keen to advance.

“So I’m here to serve and work hard every day as the long as the Government is in office.”