Labour Minister downplays down talk of Coalition rift

Labour Minister of State, Kathleen Lynch has played down talk of a rift between Labour and Fine Gael over the date of the election and conceded that a November election is possible.

Ms Lynch said that while the Government still has work to do to complete its programme, she accepted that Taoiseach Enda Kenny could well call the election for November.

“I think it’s difficult to forecast when is the best time for any election – I’m not sure anyone ever gets it entirely it right but we are nearing the end of the life of the Government.

“There are things in my own area I would like to see completed like the capacity legislation and I know the banking inquiry is a big part of the Government programme as well.

“But on the other hand if the election is called in November as seems likely or at least as likely as it’s to be called in April, then the election is called and you just get on with it.”

Sounding a philosophical note, Ms Lynch said she had no particular personal preference as she had been making preparations for the last number of months as have others.

“I’m not the only one putting preparations in place. Both Opposition and Government are doing it so whenever the election is called, the election will be called,” she said

“I find these things often take on a life of their own and as long as the government can stay functioning while that speculation is going on about an election really is the key issue.”

Informal agreement

Ms Lynch said she accepted the date of the general election had become “the burning issue of the day” but she didn’t believe there was an inevitability about it being held in November.

It appeared Mr Kenny had an informal agreement with former Labour leader, Eamon Gilmore that the election would not be until next April but she accepted that things can change.

Although her own preference for an election would be early next year and she can see arguments for not holding until then but she would accept whatever Mr Kenny decides.

The changes social welfare to be introduced in the budget won’t kick in until January and you would obviously prefer to see people have the benefit of those changes in their pocket.

“But then again, how much of an impact will that have on the vote, I am not certain ... I always think that when the election is called, you do what you have to do and get on with it.”