FG anticipating March election

Fine Gael finance spokesman Michael Noonan has identified two possible dates for the next general election, fueling speculation that the poll will be held by the end of March.

Mr Noonan made his comments following the publication of the schedule for the passing of the Finance Bill which implements the terms of the December Budget.

The legislation is due to clear both Houses of the Oireachtas by February 26th, which indicates that a general election would be likely to take place on March 24th or 25th.

Speaking this evening, Mr Noonan told RTÉ the election was likely to take place before the end of March.

Once the election is called, a minimum three week period for campaigning would be required.

"You could barely get in before St. Patrick's day (March 17th) on a 21-day election, it's more likely to be on the 24th or 25th of March," Mr Noonan said.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen previously pledged to call the election after the Dáil passes the 2011 Budget. Leinster House has seen three of the four bills required passed to date.

Mr Noonan’s comments came as the first political poll of the New Year showed a  marginal increase in support for Fine Gael.

Fine Gael was measured at 35 per cent - an increase of 1 per cent on its previous showing while the Labour Party fell two points to 21 per cent.

The RedC poll, commissioned by bookmaker Paddy Power, showed Fianna Fáil falling three points to 14 per cent, the same level of support pledged by respondents to Sinn Féin.

The Green Party recorded in increase of support of two points with 4 per cent. Independents and others came in with 12 per cent, up by two points.