Enda Kenny insists general election will not be held until 2016

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told his TDs and Senators that there will be no election next year, and said the Coalition will see out its full term of office.

It follows speculation that the Government could go to the polls next winter, months before its term of office is complete in spring 2016.

The latest Fine Gael and Labour can stay on in Government is April 2016.

However, there are differing views within Fine Gael about when to go to the polls and one TD said of Mr Kenny’s statement at the weekly parliamentary party meeting: “Well, he’d have to say that, wouldn’t he?”

Some Ministers within the senior Coalition partner feel calling a general election soon after the budget next October will give the Government the benefit of surprise over the Opposition.

Tánaiste Joan Burton also said she anticipates the Government will see out its full term and has been visiting constituencies to prepare Labour for the election.