The Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil Ministers will meet tomorrow to discuss the conduct of the imminent general election campaign but they are unlikely to finalise a date for the poll, according to Government sources.
Mr Ahern and the 13 other Fianna Fáil Ministers will discuss the party's general election manifesto as well as a number of separate policy documents to be released during the campaign.
They will meet separately in the absence of the Tánaiste after the scheduled Cabinet meeting has completed its normal business.
According to Government sources, the manifesto is close to completion.
It is not expected to be "signed off", however, at tomorrow's gathering.
While Mr Ahern is not planning to have a discussion on the date of the election, he will "listen to anything his colleagues have to say" on the topic, according to the sources.
Most speculation centres on the prospect of an election taking place on Thursday, May 9th, or Friday, May 10th. Government sources say that a poll the following week - on May 16th or 17th - should not be ruled out.
The Dáil is scheduled to resume on April 17th.
There is speculation that the Taoiseach could announce the dissolution of the Dáil on that day or the following day.
This would allow for a three-week campaign ending on May 9th or 10th.