Tánaiste insists timing of election 'agreed' but refuses to be drawn on Harris' intentions

Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin also called for Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald to make a statement on a reference given to a sex offender press officer

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has insisted that the timing of the next general election was agreed “four and a half years ago” as he continues to insist the Government will run to February.

However, he refused to answer questions from the Irish Mirror about whether he would like Taoiseach Simon Harris to end speculation by saying if the election will be held before or after Christmas.

Fianna Fáil held its annual Cáirde Fáil dinner in the Clayton Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, on Saturday evening.

READ MORE: Ministers believe they have just weeks left before election is called

READ MORE: Michelle O’Neill apologises over party press officer references for McMonagle

In his speech, Mr Martin told delegates there has been an “enormous amount of speculation has been around in recent weeks about the timing of the next general election”.

“That timing was agreed four and half years ago when the three parties agreed to join together in a coalition government,” the Tánaiste said.

“It was reaffirmed by each party leader when the leadership of the other parties changed. The entire strategy of this Government has been based on putting aside politics and focusing on our agreed agenda.

“That is why we have succeeded in the face of the most negative and cynical opposition in our history. An opposition focused on trying to create a permanent campaign – looking for short-term wins and encouraging a focus on politics rather than substance.”

Mr Martin has said several times, including this week, that the “ideal time” for an election would be February. The Taoiseach has repeatedly refused to answer whether or not the election will be before Christmas, adding further fuel to the speculation.

At a press conference in advance of his speech, the Irish Mirror asked the Tánaiste if he would appreciate the Taoiseach putting an end to the speculation.

He said: “The Taoiseach and I and Roderic O’Gorman meet on a weekly basis to discuss the Dáil agenda and so forth.

“I’m sure this issue might arise at some stage in those discussions. The Taoiseach himself has said he wants to fulfil the mandate of Government. I think that was a public statement.

“The opportunity is there for any one of us, any one leader, if they want to raise a particular Mr Martin reiterated that there are several pieces of legislation, including the Finance Bill and Social Protection Bill, that need to be passed before an election.

He added: “The three party leaders have said we want to go the full distance. Until that changes, I really have no further comment.”

Mr Martin also called on Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald to make a statement on the party’s knowledge of a reference given to a sex offender.

Two press officers had to stand down after it emerged that they gave references to former colleague Michael McMonagle, for a job at a charity in 2022.

Last month, McMonagle, 42, from Limewood Street, Derry, admitted a series of offences, including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

Mr Martin agreed that Ms McDonald should “clarify the position of who knew what, when, and where and so forth”.

“At the moment, it's revelation after revelation. There's an onus on the leadership of Sinn Féin to clarify the exact sequence of events,” he added.

The Tánaiste also took aim at Sinn Féin in his speech. “Of course, as we have seen this week, they run away from the media as soon as the questions get difficult,” he said.

“I don’t believe that any other party on this island would behave in the same way that Sinn Féin has in the face of profoundly serious questions about a former employee charged with terrible crimes.

“A man who was given a reference and then allowed to work with children even at events with the most senior Sinn Féin leaders. A man whose security clearance for Stormont was only revoked in the past few days – two years after he was charged.

“In the Dáil the leader of Sinn Féin was actively shouting, ‘Bring it on’ and calling for an election next month – but then she disappeared from the airwaves in order to avoid basic questions about her party’s behaviour.”

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