Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told RTÉ’s The Week In Politics that it is his intention to have the General Election in spring 2016. The Taoiseach also said that the government would end the Universal Social Charge gradually, starting the process in the upcoming budget.
Mr Kenny emphasised the importance of Fine Gael and Labour continuing to work together and entering the election as a joint force. He said his intention was based on continuing the progress Fine Gael and Labour had made.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said that Mr Kenny’s “refusal over the past week to deal with the issue of the election date to the obvious discomfort of the Tánaiste, further exposed the chaos at the heart of this Government”. In a statement, Mr Adams said: “Mr Kenny should stop the silly game-playing of recent days, resign and call a General Election now.”
Mr Kenny said this budget would be a very structured budget, and would not go beyond the €1.5bn spending parameters set out in the spring economic statement.