Rabbitte believes election may be held on February 26th

Former Labour Party minister Pat Rabbitte has increased speculation that the general election will take place on February 26th.

“I’d say it’s about the best stab that you can make on it,” he said on his way into Government Buildings on Wednesday.

“The Labour Party conference is the last weekend of January and I think once the Dáil resumes after that the Taoiseach may well be minded to go to the Park,” he said.

Asked if that would suit Labour, he said the party was ready.

“If one conference happens I think all the conferences must be allowed take place. As it stands, Labour is the last of three and in that case I think you won’t have long to hang around after that.”

The Fianna Fáil conference takes place this weekend, with Fine Gael the following weekend.

Mr Rabbitte, who will not contest the election, admitted he was experiencing “some withdrawal symptoms”.

Asked what his plans were for after the election, he said: “I’m retiring”.

Meanwhile, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin said the Dáil was returning today because the Government has "uncompleted work" and Ministers wanted to introduce new legislation.

Speaking on his way into Cabinet, Mr Howlin said the Coalition parties were ready for an election.

“I wouldn’t advise any politician or political reporter to take any leave before the end of March,” he said.

Mr Howlin said he hoped to introduce the final piece of his suite of ethics legislation.